Lionel Messi Targets 2026 World Cup Return — Fitness Will Decide His Fate
Lionel Messi has once again ignited global football discussion by revealing that a return to the FIFA World Cup in 2026 remains a possibility — but only if his body allows it.
The Argentine icon, who will be 39 when the tournament kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, made it clear that his participation will depend entirely on his physical condition rather than sentiment or legacy.
Health Comes Before History
Speaking in a recent interview with NBC News, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner emphasized that no final decision has been made. Instead, Messi plans to evaluate his fitness on a daily basis once he begins preseason training with Inter Miami.
“I will see how I feel when preseason starts,” Messi explained. “If I can be 100% fit, if I can truly help the team and the national side, then I’ll decide.”
Despite his age, the desire to defend Argentina’s world title remains strong. Messi admitted that the emotional pull of the World Cup is impossible to ignore.
“It’s the World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last one, and the idea of defending it on the pitch is incredible.”
Mixed Signals, Honest Reflections
Messi has been open about his doubts in the past. After Argentina secured qualification during the September international window, he previously suggested that another World Cup appearance was unlikely due to age-related challenges.
“Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it,” he said following Argentina’s 3–0 victory over Venezuela.
However, he later admitted that being so close to the tournament has reignited his motivation.
“I go day by day. If I feel good, I enjoy it. If I don’t feel good, I prefer not to be there.”
This honesty has become a defining trait of Messi’s late career — prioritizing quality over obligation.
A Legacy Already Sealed
Messi’s club career needs no introduction. His years at Barcelona produced an era of dominance, while later spells at Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami further cemented his global appeal.
Internationally, his story reached its peak between 2021 and 2022. Winning the Copa América ended years of criticism, and lifting the World Cup in Qatar finally completed football’s greatest collection.
In the 2022 final against France, Messi scored twice and converted his penalty in the shootout, leading Argentina to its first World Cup triumph since 1986.
“It was the dream of my life,” Messi said. “Being world champion is every player’s ultimate dream.”
Chasing One Final Chapter?
Since making his senior debut in 2005, Messi has scored 114 goals for Argentina. Should he appear in 2026, it would mark a historic sixth World Cup appearance, a feat few players in history have achieved.
For now, the football world waits. Whether Messi returns or not, his legacy is untouchable — but one final World Cup chapter could turn an already legendary story into something truly timeless.
