Overview
- Lionel Messi reiterated that he will only go to the 2026 World Cup if he feels physically able and not a burden to Argentina.
- He described a day-by-day assessment of his fitness, noting only a brief run of matches before the tournament under MLS’s calendar.
- Messi highlighted that his preparation differs from Europe’s seasons, with a preseason break and limited games before the summer event.
- Reports cite three muscular setbacks in 2025 totaling about 30 days out, adding caution to his outlook on a long tournament.
- He would be 39 by the tournament as FIFA’s expanded 48‑team format could require up to eight matches in 39 days, raising the physical bar.