Messi eyes World Cup defence for Argentina, despite age, fitness concerns

Lionel Messi acknowledged wellness factors will dictate his role in defending Argentina’s 2022 World Cup title next year.

Lionel Messi, still chasing international glory nearly two decades into his career, says he hopes to play at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America, acknowledging his age and fitness will dictate his role in defending Argentina’s 2022 title.

The Argentinian great recently extended his contract with Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami through 2028, signalling he is not yet considering retirement despite turning 39 next June.

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Speaking to NBC News, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said he will take time next year to assess his physical condition before deciding whether to play in the tournament across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” the Argentinian captain said in the interview released on Monday.

“I would like to be there, to be well, and be an important part of helping my team, if I am there. I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter, and see if I can really be 100 percent, if I can be useful, and then make a decision.

“I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last one, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular, because it’s always a dream to play with the national team.”

Messi has enjoyed a professional career spanning more than 20 years, debuting for Barcelona at just 17 in 2004, before playing for Paris St Germain and joining Inter Miami in 2023. He sparked fresh interest in the American league in a critical moment for the sport in North America ahead of hosting next year’s World Cup.

While Messi has amassed countless club and individual accolades, international success had eluded him until claiming the Copa America 2021 before beating France 4-2 on penalties to win the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

“It was the dream of my life,” Messi said of the victory.

“It was also true that it was the only thing missing at a professional level because I had been lucky enough to have achieved everything at an individual level, at a team level with Barcelona, and I think that’s every player’s dream. When you ask a player what their dream is, it’s to be world champion.”

Messi has played in 195 matches and scored a record 114 goals for his country. A return for the 2026 World Cup would mark his sixth appearance in the tournament.

Argentina forward Lionel Messi shoots the ball against Puerto Rico during the first half of an international friendly match at Chase Stadium, on October 14, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US [Sam Navarro/Imagn Images via Reuters]