Lionel Messi has stopped short of confirming his participation in the 2026 World Cup, telling ESPN that while he hopes to be there defending Argentina’s crown, he may ultimately watch the tournament from the stands rather than compete on the pitch. The 38-year-old Inter Miami forward’s candid comments have sparked global discussion about whether football fans will witness the Argentine legend grace the World Cup stage for a record sixth time.
Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with ESPN SportsCenter ahead of Inter Miami’s MLS Cup final appearance, Messi addressed the question that has captivated the football world since Argentina lifted the trophy in Qatar 2022. His response, while hopeful, carried a note of realism about his age and physical condition.
“I hope I can be there. I’d love to be there,” Lionel Messi stated, before adding the caveat that has generated headlines worldwide: “At worst, I’ll be there watching it live, but it will be special. The World Cup is special for everyone, especially for us, because we live it in a completely different way.”
Table of Contents
The Significance of Messi’s Comments
Lionel Messi’s carefully measured words represent a departure from his previous statements about the 2026 World Cup. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has consistently maintained that he will play as long as his body holds up, but this latest interview marks the first time he has explicitly acknowledged the possibility of not participating as a player.
The phrase “at worst, I’ll be there watching it live” has particularly resonated with fans and pundits alike, suggesting that even if Messi cannot compete physically, his emotional connection to the tournament and his national team remains unbreakable. For a player who has defined an era of international football, the prospect of experiencing a World Cup from the stands rather than the pitch would mark a poignant transition.
Lionel Messi’s hesitation to commit definitively stems from practical realities. By the time the 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11, he will be 39 years old, having turned 38 in June 2025. While his performances for Inter Miami continue to demonstrate exceptional quality, the physical demands of World Cup football present unique challenges that differ from Major League Soccer competition.
Understanding Argentina’s Special World Cup Connection
When Lionel Messi references how Argentina experiences the World Cup “in a completely different way,” he touches upon something fundamental to the nation’s identity. Football in Argentina transcends sport, representing cultural expression, national pride, and collective memory spanning generations.
The 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar provided Argentina with their first global triumph since Diego Maradona led them to glory in 1986. The 36-year wait amplified the emotional significance of that achievement, with Messi finally claiming the trophy that had eluded him despite four previous attempts and three Copa America final defeats.
Lionel Messi understands that defending the World Cup crown in 2026 would cement Argentina’s status among football’s immortal dynasties. No team has successfully defended the World Cup since Brazil accomplished the feat in 1958 and 1962, making the challenge both historic and daunting.
Conversations with Lionel Scaloni
Lionel Messi revealed in his ESPN interview that he has engaged in extensive discussions with Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni about his role in the 2026 World Cup setup. These conversations demonstrate the mutual respect between player and coach, as well as Scaloni’s flexibility regarding how Messi might contribute.
“The truth is we’ve been talking about it. He understands, and we’ve discussed it a lot,” Messi explained. “He always tells me that he would like me to be there in any role.“
Scaloni’s openness to having Lionel Messi involved in “any role” suggests multiple possibilities beyond traditional playing duties. The Argentina manager recognizes that Messi’s value extends beyond his on-field contributions to encompass leadership, experience, and the psychological boost his presence provides to younger teammates.
This approach mirrors how other legendary players have transitioned toward the end of their international careers, serving as mentors and leaders even when their playing time becomes limited. The fact that these discussions are occurring openly indicates both parties are approaching the 2026 World Cup with realistic expectations rather than romantic notions.
The MLS Schedule Advantage
One factor working in Lionel Messi’s favor regarding 2026 World Cup participation is the timing advantage created by Major League Soccer’s schedule. Unlike European players who will arrive at the tournament after grueling domestic campaigns, Messi will have the benefit of a mid-season break and proper preseason preparation.
“Having a preseason in the middle changes everything for me. It’s like starting a new season from scratch, and having a preseason in the middle will help me a lot because European players arrive to finals with a ton of matches in their legs, like always,” Messi explained to ESPN.
This scheduling quirk could prove decisive for Lionel Messi’s physical condition. European players competing in the World Cup typically endure 50-60 matches during a season that stretches from August through May before joining their national teams. The accumulated fatigue often manifests during tournaments, contributing to injuries and performance dips.
By contrast, Lionel Messi’s MLS season will conclude in December 2025, providing him several months of rest and targeted preparation before the World Cup begins in June 2026. This recovery period, combined with a structured preseason, could allow him to arrive at the tournament fresher than he has been for any previous World Cup.
Argentina’s Depth and Quality
Part of Lionel Messi’s reluctance to commit definitively to the 2026 World Cup stems from his recognition of Argentina’s exceptional squad depth. The current generation of Argentine talent features world-class players across every position, reducing the national team’s dependence on any single individual.
“The truth is we have extraordinary players, and it’s been shown for years—especially the desire and excitement since Scaloni took over,” Messi told ESPN. “The mentality everyone has. It’s a squad full of winners, with strong mindsets, who want to win more, and that’s contagious.”
This depth represents a double-edged sword for Lionel Messi’s participation. On one hand, it means Argentina can genuinely compete for the title with or without him in the starting lineup. On the other hand, it provides Messi the freedom to make decisions based purely on his physical condition rather than feeling his country’s chances depend entirely on his presence.
Lionel Messi specifically praised how new players continue emerging and integrating seamlessly into the national team setup: “New players keep appearing; aside from the ones already there, new faces keep coming in. When a group is like this, it’s easier for newcomers to fit in. Argentina needs to take advantage of this moment.”
The Path to History
Should Lionel Messi decide to participate in the 2026 World Cup, he would be chasing multiple pieces of history. Argentina, as defending champions, could become the first team since Brazil in 1958-1962 to win consecutive World Cups—a feat that has eluded every champion for over six decades.
For Messi personally, the 2026 World Cup would represent his sixth appearance at the tournament, extending his already remarkable longevity at the highest level of international football. He made his World Cup debut as a teenager in 2006 and has featured in every edition since, accumulating extraordinary statistics along the way.
Lionel Messi holds Argentina’s records for both appearances (196) and goals scored (115) for the national team. His World Cup statistics include 10 knockout-stage goals across five tournaments, with the 2022 campaign seeing him named Player of the Tournament after inspiring Argentina to glory.
The Potential Quarterfinal With Ronaldo
The December 2025 World Cup draw revealed that if both Argentina and Portugal win their respective groups, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could face each other in the quarterfinals. This potential meeting has captured global imagination, representing possibly the final competitive clash between two players who have defined modern football.
Remarkably, despite their parallel careers spanning two decades, Lionel Messi and Ronaldo have never faced each other in competitive international action. Their only two meetings for their countries came in friendlies in 2011 and 2014, making a potential 2026 World Cup quarterfinal an unprecedented occasion.
However, Messi’s uncertain participation status adds dramatic tension to this possibility. Football fans worldwide hope to witness this historic matchup, but Messi’s comments suggest there are no guarantees he will be physically capable of competing at the tournament’s business end.
Reflections on His Current Form
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi’s recent performances for Inter Miami demonstrate he remains capable of elite-level football. He acknowledged feeling physically strong throughout the 2025 MLS season, though he recognizes Major League Soccer presents different challenges than European competition.
“This year I felt really good. I was lucky to play many games. People talk about the league being very physical, and it is; rivals have improved a lot. There are long trips, games that get very back-and-forth. I truly felt good, I enjoyed it, and I hope the start of next year is the same,” Messi explained.
Lionel Messi’s ability to stay healthy and perform consistently in MLS provides grounds for optimism about his 2026 World Cup prospects. However, he maintains a day-by-day approach, prioritizing honesty and realism about his physical condition rather than making commitments he cannot guarantee.
The Weight of Expectation
Understanding Lionel Messi’s cautious stance requires appreciating the immense expectations that would accompany his participation in the 2026 World Cup. As Argentina’s captain and the player who finally delivered World Cup glory in 2022, any appearance in 2026 would carry enormous pressure to replicate that success.
Messi has experienced both triumph and heartbreak at World Cups throughout his career. The 2014 final defeat to Germany, coming after Messi won the Golden Ball award, left deep scars. His 2022 redemption represented catharsis not just for him personally but for an entire nation that had waited decades for such vindication.
The prospect of risking that perfect ending by returning in 2026 potentially diminished physically or unable to perform at his accustomed level clearly weighs on Messi’s mind. His comments suggest a desire to participate only if he can contribute meaningfully rather than simply being present for ceremonial purposes.
Lionel Messi’s comments to ESPN about the 2026 World Cup encapsulate the complex emotions and practical considerations surrounding this decision. His statement—”I hope I can be there. I’d love to be there“—expresses genuine desire tempered by realistic assessment of what his body can withstand at age 39.
The acknowledgment that “at worst, I’ll be there watching it live” provides reassurance that regardless of his playing status, Messi will remain connected to Argentina’s World Cup defense. Whether from the pitch or the stands, his presence will carry symbolic weight for a nation that cherishes both the player and what he represents.
As the football world awaits Lionel Messi’s final decision, his words remind us that even legends must confront mortality and the physical limitations that time imposes. The 2026 World Cup may or may not feature Messi as a player, but his legacy as one of football’s all-time greats remains secure regardless of that outcome.
FAQs
Will Lionel Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?
Lionel Messi has not confirmed definitively whether he will play in the 2026 World Cup. He told ESPN “I hope I can be there, I’d love to be there,” but added that “at worst, I’ll be there watching it live,” suggesting he has not made a final decision about participating as a player.
How old will Lionel Messi be at the 2026 World Cup?
Lionel Messi will be 39 years old during the 2026 World Cup, which takes place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. He turned 38 in June 2025, making him one of the oldest players who would potentially compete at the tournament.
What advantage does Messi have for the 2026 World Cup?
Lionel Messi will benefit from MLS’s schedule, which provides him a mid-season break and proper preseason preparation before the 2026 World Cup. Unlike European players who arrive after grueling domestic campaigns, Messi will have several months to rest and prepare specifically for the tournament.
Could Messi face Ronaldo at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, if both Argentina and Portugal win their respective groups and advance through the earlier knockout rounds, Lionel Messi’s Argentina could face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the quarterfinals. This would be the first competitive international match between the two legendary rivals.
What did Messi say about the World Cup being special for Argentina?
Lionel Messi told ESPN: “The World Cup is special for everyone, for any country—especially for us, because we live it in a completely different way.” This references Argentina’s deep emotional and cultural connection to football and the World Cup specifically.
