I want to be there — Messi finally breaks the norm, makes World Cup wish

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has eased concerns about his participation at the 2026 World Cup, admitting he wants to play, although he has yet to decide.

The 38-year-old is making waves recently, having jetted to Barcelona in the thick of the MLS playoffs to visit the recently reopened Camp Nou and expressing his desire to one day return to the club and have a proper send-off. 

In a recent media appearance, he was once again quizzed about his participation at the next World Cup, and the answer was the same as it has been in the past two years — he is undecided. However, he admitted this time that he would like to play in the tournament. 

“I’m excited for the World Cup. But I don't want to be a burden; I want to feel good physically and be sure that I can help and contribute things to the group,” he explained. 

“I will see day to day if I really feel good physically to be like I would like to be able to participate.”

The Albiceleste record scorer finally achieved the crowning moment of his international career by leading Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar, ending the nation’s 36-year wait since Diego Maradona’s triumph in 1986. 

The then-35-year-old captain scored seven goals, assisted three, and won the Golden Ball as best player of the tournament, a performance widely hailed as one of the greatest individual campaigns in World Cup history. 

Although many expected him to retire from international football after lifting the trophy in Lusail, Messi instead chose to extend his Argentina career, stating in interviews that he wanted to “enjoy being a world champion a little longer.”

Since then, Messi has continued to play a decisive role for Albiceleste, helping them qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. 

He scored seven goals in Argentina’s first eight CONMEBOL qualifiers, more than any other South American player over that stretch, while also winning another Copa América (2024) under Lionel Scaloni. 

Yet, despite his fine form for Inter Miami, where he registered 25 goals and 16 assists across all competitions in 2024, he remains “unsure” about his competitive level for the 2026 World Cup.