Messi: “It Makes the Most Sense for Me Not to Play at the 2026 World Cup”
After playing his final official match for Argentina, 38-year-old superstar Lionel Messi stopped short of confirming whether he will compete at the 2026 World Cup.
“I’ve said since after the 2022 World Cup that the most logical thing would be for me not to play in 2026 because of my age,” Messi told Ole after scoring twice against Venezuela on September 4. “It’s hard for me to imagine still playing at the highest level at 39. But here we are. I’m excited, I’m eager, but as I always say, I just take it day by day, game by game.”
Messi celebrated his goal in Argentina’s victory over Venezuela at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, in the penultimate round of South American World Cup qualifiers on September 4, 2025.
Messi is regarded as one of the greatest players in history, leading Argentina to win the 2022 World Cup, the 2022 Finalissima, and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. At the club level, he has won four Champions Leagues, 10 La Liga titles, two Ligue 1 titles, a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, and six European Golden Shoes.
In recent years, Messi has stepped away from European elite football but continues to perform brilliantly and contribute significantly for Inter Miami in the U.S. This has kept fans hopeful that he might still play at the 2026 World Cup — which will be co-hosted by Canada, the U.S., and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
However, Argentina’s captain admitted that injuries and a busy match schedule have forced him to pay closer attention to his body. “This year I’ve played many consecutive games, with lots of pressure,” he added. “Now I feel good after playing three games in a row, but what matters most is how my body feels each day. I need to be honest with myself.”
Messi also confirmed he will skip Argentina’s last qualifier against Ecuador on September 9. The team has already secured a direct spot at the World Cup as the top team in the South American group. “When I feel good, I enjoy football. But if I don’t, I feel uncomfortable — I’d rather not play,” he said.
Messi’s first goal against Venezuela was a delightful chip, followed by another clinical finish later in the game.
Even though he no longer has the same speed he once did, the former Barcelona forward remains extremely dangerous with his finishing, free kicks, and chance creation. In Argentina’s 3-0 win over Venezuela, he scored twice and created four chances for his teammates.
Messi said he was very proud to score two goals in front of his wife and children in his homeland. He left Argentina at the age of 13 and has since lived mainly in Spain, France, and now the U.S. “Sharing this joy with my wife and kids here is special. My family has always wanted to feel this experience, and today was perfect,” he said.
Looking ahead, Messi emphasized that he doesn’t want to put pressure on himself or make promises about something uncertain. The 2026 World Cup is just nine months away, but that’s still a long road — especially for a 38-year-old player. “I need to finish the season with Inter Miami, hopefully win the MLS Cup, and then prepare well for the 2026 season,” Argentina’s captain said. “Only then will I decide what’s next.”