Lionel Messi has revealed the key criteria that will determine whether or not he lines up for defending champions Argentina at next year’s World Cup.
Messi will be 39-years-old during next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and his inclusion in the Argentina squad is not guaranteed.
Despite his age, the former Barcelona star has continued to play at the highest level for Inter Miami. In 2025, Messi secured the MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals in the regular season and is now chasing MLS Cup glory.
Earlier this month he signed a contract extension through 2028, solidifying his long-term commitment to the club but the big question remains whether he’ll play for Argentina when the World Cup kicks off next June.
Lionel Messi reacts after a play during the second half of the Inter Miami’s match against the Nashville SC at GEODIS Park on October 18, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
Messi has now addressed his hopes of featuring at the biggest football event.
He told NBC: “Well, the truth is that yes, it’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup. And I would like to be there. To feel well and to be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there. I am going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter Miami and see if I can really be 100 per cent. I’m really eager because it’s the World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last World Cup, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions, so hopefully God will allow me to do it once again.”
Messi added: “I’ve always said that I’ll base my decision (about playing) on how I feel day to day and how I feel physically and mentally to continue playing and to continue being part of this club. Honestly, I felt really good during the year. I’m happy living in Miami, as is my family, and honestly, the decision [to extend his contract] was easy.”
