Messi has not promised to play in the 2026 World Cup, instead indicating his decision will depend on his fitness.
Speaking to the Argentine press after Argentina’s 3-0 win over Venezuela on Thursday night, the Argentine captain did not at all look excited when asked about the tournament.
Messi explained, “It’s like I’ve said before. I don’t think I’ll play the next World Cup — not because of age, but the logical thing is that I won’t.”
“But here I am —excited, wanting to play, but like I’ve always said, I go day by day, game by game. This year we had so many matches, one after another. I just came off a break for a few days, then had another setback,” added the 38-year-old forward.
“Luckily, now I was able to play three games in a row, and that’s it — just going day by day, seeing how I feel. What’s clear is that today was my last competitive match here. Now it’s about taking it one day at a time, trying to feel good, and above all, being honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it. When I don’t, honestly, I suffer, and I’d rather not be there. So we’ll see.”
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has used Messi’s absences for the last two years to slot in younger players in his traditional no. 10 role as Atletico Madrid’s Thiago Almada, 24, has settled into Argentina’s starting XI with ease and new Real Madrid teenager Franco Mastantuono, 18, started alongside Almada and Messi against Venezuela and performed at a high level, as well.
But finally, it will be a shock for the national team and Schaloni if the legendary footballer is not able to help them in their campaign in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
With nine months remaining before that tournament begins, Messi is clearly in no hurry to make big proclamations about his involvement.
“I’m going game by game,” he said. At this stage, nine months — it goes by fast, but at the same time, it’s a lot of time. We finish the season at the end of the year, then I’ll have a preseason. That leaves me six months, and we’ll see how I feel. Hopefully I can have a good preseason, finish this MLS season well, hopefully win the championship, and then get ready.”
