UPDATE: Soccer superstar Lionel Messi has confirmed his desire to play for Argentina in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will take place across North America next summer. In an exclusive interview with NBC News’ Tom Llamas, Messi expressed his excitement but acknowledged the challenges that come with turning 39 years old just before the tournament.
“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” Messi stated, highlighting the significance of the event following Argentina’s triumph in the 2022 World Cup. He emphasized the need to assess his physical condition as he prepares for the next season with Inter Miami: “I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year.”
Messi’s comments come as the soccer community buzzes with anticipation for the World Cup, which is set to kick off on June 8, 2026. His participation would not only be a personal milestone but a chance for Argentina to defend their title after a thrilling victory over France in the last final.
The legendary player reflected on his journey, stating, “It was the dream of my life,” referring to Argentina’s historic World Cup win. Messi’s international career has been illustrious, featuring 195 matches and 114 goals for his national team since 2005. His accolades include two Golden Balls and countless club achievements, making his potential involvement in the World Cup a major talking point.
Living in Miami has brought Messi a sense of peace and enjoyment, as he noted: “Miami is a city that allows us to live very well.” His transition from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and now to MLS has been widely discussed, but his commitment to his national team remains a top priority.
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup begins, fans globally will be watching closely to see if Messi can still deliver on the world stage. With only a few months until the tournament kicks off, the soccer world waits with bated breath for updates on his fitness and readiness to lead Argentina once again.
Stay tuned for more developments as Messi evaluates his path towards what could be another chapter in his legendary career.
