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Lionel Messi has offered a coy response regarding his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Argentine legend insists that the decision will be made when the time comes.
Messi achieved his boyhood dream of lifting the World Cup in the 2022 edition in Qatar. He had an extraordinary run for La Albiceleste, playing every fixture to completion.
The Barcelona legend scored seven goals and provided three assists, winning the Golden Ball award for his exploits at the tournament. The 37-year-old lifted the Copa America this year as well.
Since he's in the twilight stage of his career, many are keen to find out whether Lionel Messi will represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking to reporters, the five-time Ballon d'Or said on the subject (via Marca):
"I've always said that things happen for a reason and I never get ahead of myself. I live for the day. When the time comes to go to the World Cup... we'll see. I hope I can continue to perform at this level. When I feel good and enjoy it... I'm happy. But I don't set myself the goal of getting there. I take it day by day."
Messi has been in excellent form for Inter Miami this season, scoring 19 goals and providing 12 assists in 21 appearances across competitions.
Lionel Messi speaks on Argentina's 6-0 thrashing of Bolivia in 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Argentina locked horns with Bolivia in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier clash on Tuesday (15 October). La Albiceleste thrashed La Verde 6-0 as Lionel Messi took center stage with five goal contributions.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner bagged a hat-trick and provided two assists, matching Cristiano Ronaldo's record of scoring ten hat-tricks for his country in the process.
In an interview after the game, Messi opened up about the electric crowd at the Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires and said (via talkSPORT):
"It's very nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people, it's exciting when they shout my name. We all enjoy this period that we're experiencing and the connection with the people. We love being here, playing in Argentina with all these people, and happy about all that and about the win too."
When asked about his plans about retirement, Lionel Messi replied:
"The truth is that I haven't set a date or deadline, I just want to enjoy all of this. I'm excited to be here and feel the affection of the people because I know that these could be the last games."
