Lionel Messi has once again sparked hopes of seeing him at one final World Cup, admitting he’s excited about the idea of playing in 2026, but only if his body allows him to compete at the level he wants.
Speaking recently in a series of interviews, with this particular part quoted by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, Messi sounded both emotional and realistic about the future. The 7-time Ballon d’Or winner admitted that he doesnt want to be a burden to the National team in their quest to defend their World cup title next year.
He said:
Messi: I’m excited for the World Cup. But I don’t want to be a burden; I want to feel good physically, be sure that I can help and contribute things to the group.
I will see day to day if I really feel good physically to be like I would like to be able to participate.
Now 38 and still dazzling fans with Inter Miami in the MLS, Messi recently extended his deal with the American club through 2028, a clear sign that he isn’t done with football just yet. Still, he’s careful not to push too far despite recently hitting 400 career assists in Inter Miami’s 4-nil victory over Nashville FC, even chipping in with two goals.
Softfootball understands that Argentina have already booked their spot at the 2026 tournament, and coach Lionel Scaloni has started easing younger players like Thiago Almada and Franco Mastantuono into the setup, preparing for a time when Messi eventually steps aside.
His last competitive game on Argentine soil, a 3–0 win over Venezuela in September 2025, felt like a farewell of sorts. Messi scored twice that night at the Estadio Monumental. For now, though, nothing is set in stone. Messi, who recently paid a visit to the Spotify Camp Nou, insists he’ll make the call only when the moment feels right: “When I feel good, I enjoy it. When I don’t, I suffer, and I’d rather not be there.”
So, as the countdown to 2026 continues, the world waits, maybe for one last dance, maybe not. But with Messi, hope never really fades; you can’t rule him out, and you won’t be surprised if he leads this Argentine title defence in what is set to become his last dance.
