Messi Reveals the Only Condition That Will Determine His Participation in 2026 World Cup
Story: written by Uzuh Rita November 12,2025
Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi has revealed that his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup will depend solely on his physical fitness and ability to contribute meaningfully to the Argentina national team.
The 38-year-old football icon, who led Argentina to their 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar, said he would only feature in the next tournament if he feels strong enough to perform at a high level, stressing that he does not want to be a “burden” to the team.
The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, could make Messi one of only two players—alongside Cristiano Ronaldo—to appear in six World Cup tournaments.
Speaking in an interview with Sport, Messi said:
“Yes, of course, the World Cup is always special—especially after winning it. But I don’t want to play if I’m not physically right. I want to feel good and be sure I can help the team.”
He added that his preparation schedule in Major League Soccer (MLS) differs from that of players in Europe, meaning he will assess his condition closely in the months leading up to the competition.
“We’ll have preseason games before the World Cup, and I’ll evaluate how I feel physically. If I’m at my best, I’ll be there,” he concluded.
