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Messi Signals 2026 World Cup Interest, Decision Hinges on Preseason Fitness

The 38-year-old will gauge his body in early 2026 after extending his Inter Miami deal through 2028.

Overview

  • Lionel Messi told NBC News he would like to play for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup but has not made a final decision.
  • He said he will decide during Inter Miami’s 2026 preseason after monitoring his physical condition day to day.
  • Messi emphasized he will only take part if he is 100% fit and believes he can be useful to the national team.
  • He recently signed a new Inter Miami contract through 2028 after a 29-goal campaign that secured the MLS Golden Boot.
  • He will turn 39 next June, owns 195 caps and 114 goals for Argentina, and a 2026 appearance would be his sixth at a World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.