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Professional soccer

Lionel Messi Hopes to Play at 2026 FIFA World Cup, But Will Assess Fitness in Coming Year

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Argentina legend Lionel Messi remains hopeful of defending the title at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but will put his participation to the test closer to the tournament, assessing his fitness through the preseason with Inter Miami next year. Messi, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar 2022, is now weighing his options, considering the physical demands of another World Cup on the global stage. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and 195-international-appearance veteran is currently 38 years old and has already expressed concerns about his age being a factor in the coming year. Despite these reservations, Messi is fixated on the prospect of being part of Argentina's quest for a World Cup title, seeing it as a "spectacular" opportunity.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lionel Messi has expressed his desire to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but will assess his fitness closer to the tournament.
  • Messi made 195 international appearances and scored 114 goals for Argentina.
  • The 38-year-old, eight-time Ballon d'Or winner admitted that his age could be a factor in his participation.
  • Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar 2022, defeating France 4-2 on penalties in the final.
  • Messi won numerous titles with Barcelona in Spain and France before joining MLS side Inter Miami in 2023.
  • The children of Messi's family enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Miami, allowing them to live "day to day" without the pressures of a busy football lifestyle.
  • Messi's 2022 triumph ended decades of international heartbreak for Argentina, lifting their first World Cup since 1986.
  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in North America, with Argentina hoping to defend their title.

Statistics:

  • 195: Number of international appearances made by Lionel Messi.
  • 114: Goals scored by Messi in international appearances.
  • 4-2: Score of Argentina's penalty shootout victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final.
  • 2026: Year in which the FIFA World Cup is set to be held.
  • 38: The current age of Lionel Messi.
  • 8: Number of Ballon d'Or titles won by Messi.
  • 1986: The last year in which Argentina won the FIFA World Cup prior to their 2022 victory.

Sources:

  • NBC News' Tom Llamas

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