Lionel Messi has left fans and pundits speculating after expressing uncertainty about his potential participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Argentine icon emphasized that his fitness will ultimately determine whether he takes part in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Set to turn 39 during the competition, Messi is well aware of the physical demands posed by the packed football calendar and the natural decline that comes with age. While he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of making a record sixth World Cup appearance, he’s been measured in his approach, avoiding any definitive commitment.
In recent years, Messi has faced a series of recurring injuries that have raised questions about his long-term availability for both club and country. A muscle injury recently kept him out of Argentina’s March qualifiers, though the national team still performed impressively, securing World Cup qualification with comprehensive victories over Uruguay and Brazil.
Reflecting on his fitness, Messi has chosen to take things one day at a time. He admitted he’s not ready to set World Cup participation as a firm goal yet, preferring to monitor his physical condition closely. “I’ll take it day by day and see how I feel physically above all else,” he said. “Last year, I missed games due to injuries, but this pre-season has been good, and I feel strong.”
His upcoming involvement in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with Inter Miami may serve as a critical barometer. The tournament, scheduled for June, could provide valuable insight into whether Messi is physically capable of handling the intense schedule required at the international level. With both Major League Soccer matches and potential national team duties on his plate, the Club World Cup will test his endurance and match fitness.
Regardless of Messi’s final decision, Argentina appears well-prepared to compete at the highest level. The team’s commanding 4-1 win over Brazil in March, despite Messi’s absence, showcased its growing depth. Young talents such as Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, and Alexis Mac Allister have continued to develop into reliable figures capable of carrying the team forward.
The coaching staff remains supportive of Messi, with head coach Lionel Scaloni emphasizing that the decision will rest solely with the captain. He stressed the importance of giving Messi the space and freedom to assess his own readiness without external pressure, noting that any speculation about the forward’s World Cup future is premature.
If Messi does ultimately take the field in 2026, he would become the first player in history to appear in six World Cups—a milestone that would further solidify his place among the all-time greats. Yet, legacy alone won’t drive his decision. The veteran forward has made it clear that only top-level fitness will warrant his inclusion in the squad. “I’ll be honest with myself. If I’m not 100%, I won’t go,” he said.
As the football world eagerly counts down to the next World Cup, all eyes will remain on Messi. His journey toward a possible farewell on the sport’s grandest stage will depend not on emotion, but on the physical realities of a long and storied career.
