Will Lionel Messi Play in the 2026 World Cup?
The Question Every Football Fan Is Asking
Few questions in world football have captured as much curiosity as this one:
Will Lionel Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first ever 48-team tournament in history.
It could also become the final chapter in Lionel Messi’s legendary career, a farewell on North American soil that every fan dreams of witnessing.
After finally lifting the World Cup trophy in Qatar 2022, Messi completed the story millions had been waiting for. Yet, football fans everywhere are still asking the same question: could we see the greatest of all time one last time on football’s biggest stage?
Messi’s World Cup Legacy
Across five tournaments, Lionel Messi has built one of the most unforgettable World Cup stories ever told.
- 26 matches played
- 13 goals scored
- 1 World Cup trophy
- Countless magical moments
From that fresh-faced teenager in 2006 to the emotional champion in 2022, Messi’s journey is the definition of passion and persistence.
He didn’t just play in World Cups — he owned them, carrying Argentina on his back and inspiring a new generation of players with every touch, pass, and goal.
If he returns in 2026, it wouldn’t just be another appearance. It would be the closing act of a football story that will be told for decades.
What Messi Has Said About 2026
Since 2022, Messi has spoken about his future with honesty and humility.
“The same thing I said before: I don’t think I’ll play in the next World Cup… I’ll see how I feel when the time comes.”
He will be 38 years old when the 2026 World Cup begins, and he’s made it clear that his decision will depend on how he feels both physically and mentally.
But Messi hasn’t closed the door completely.
He continues to shine for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and still plays for Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers. For fans, that means the dream is alive — the chance to see the little magician back in sky blue one last time.
What Argentina’s Coach and Teammates Believe
Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni summed it up perfectly when he said:
“Messi will take his time with his decision, and he’ll have a place in the team whenever he wants it.”
Teammates like Emiliano Martínez and Nicolás Otamendi have called him “irreplaceable” and “the soul of Argentina.”
There’s no debate: if Messi wants to play, the door will always be open.
Even if he doesn’t play every match, his leadership and presence alone would be priceless for the squad.
Messi’s Form at Inter Miami
Messi’s time at Inter Miami has been a pleasant surprise.
He didn’t come to America to retire quietly — he came to compete.
His performances have been brilliant, showing that even outside of Europe, his passion and quality haven’t faded one bit.
Why MLS Could Extend His Career
The MLS schedule is lighter than Europe’s, giving him more time to rest, recover, and stay sharp.
The travel distances are shorter, the environment is positive, and the pressure is less intense than at Barcelona or PSG.
That combination might just give Messi the longevity he needs to remain fit for 2026.
Every week, Miami fans fill stadiums just to see him play. You can feel it in the air — Messi’s influence has turned American soccer into something special.
Argentina’s Road to 2026
Argentina’s journey toward the 2026 World Cup has started well.
The team under Lionel Scaloni continues to evolve while keeping the same chemistry that brought them glory in 2022.
A Team That No Longer Depends Solely on Messi
This generation is balanced and full of talent.
Young stars like Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, and Alejandro Garnacho have stepped up beautifully.
That actually makes Messi’s potential return even more exciting.
He wouldn’t have to do everything on his own like in the past.
He could focus on what he does best — controlling the tempo, creating magic, and mentoring the next generation.
Legends Who Played Beyond Their Prime
Football has seen many icons extend their careers far past the usual limits.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and even Roger Milla, who scored at age 42, all proved that age doesn’t stop passion.
Messi’s game has never been about raw pace or strength.
It’s built on vision, control, and genius — qualities that only get better with experience.
That’s why so many fans believe he can still compete at the highest level, even in his late 30s.
The Key Factors Behind His Decision
1. Physical Condition
By June 2026, Messi will be almost 39. He’s always been disciplined about his training and diet, so if he avoids injuries, it’s completely realistic that he could play.
2. Motivation
After winning it all — the World Cup, Copa América, Champions League, and countless Ballon d’Ors — it’s natural to wonder what still drives him.
But watching Messi in Miami, you can tell the fire hasn’t gone out. He still plays with joy and purpose, like the kid from Rosario who fell in love with the game.
3. Home Advantage
The World Cup will be held partly in the United States, where Messi now lives and plays.
That means less travel, familiar conditions, and a massive fanbase cheering him on.
It almost feels written in the stars.
4. Family and Emotion
Messi’s family has built a peaceful life in Miami. His children are old enough to understand what the World Cup means.
Imagine the emotion of them watching their father play in one final tournament. That alone could be reason enough to return.
Why He Might Choose Not to Play
Of course, every story eventually has an ending.
Messi could decide not to play if he feels his body isn’t where it needs to be, or if he simply wants to preserve the perfect ending from Qatar.
He once said,
“If I feel I’m not helping the team, I’d rather step aside than be there just for being Messi.”
That humility is what separates him from the rest. It’s why the world loves him, no matter what he decides.
Global Reaction if Messi Plays
The world would erupt. There’s no other way to put it.
If Messi announces that he’s returning for the 2026 World Cup, ticket prices would skyrocket overnight.
Every host city would sell out within hours.
TV viewership, merchandise sales, and tourism numbers would reach record highs.
His presence would also elevate the entire tournament.
Fans from Argentina, the U.S., and beyond would travel across North America just to see him play in person.
The 2026 World Cup would go from massive to historic.
Predictions: Will Messi Play in 2026?
Looking at his current form, fitness, and connection to Argentina, I truly believe there’s a good chance.
He might not play every match, but I can picture him starting the group stage, leading from the front, and then mentoring younger stars as the tournament goes on.
Players like Álvarez, Fernández, and Garnacho will carry the future, but Messi’s presence — even if brief — would inspire them to new heights.
My Honest Prediction
Lionel Messi will play in the 2026 World Cup.
Maybe not every game, but enough to remind the world why he’s the greatest to ever do it.
What It Would Mean for Football
If Messi plays in 2026, it would be a farewell unlike any other.
It would close the book on the Messi and Ronaldo era that shaped two decades of football.
Beyond that, it would be a global celebration — a moment where fans from every country, every club, and every background come together to watch one man do what he was born to do.
For fans across North America, this would be more than just a tournament. It would be the chance of a lifetime to see a living legend in action, one final time.
Messi’s Influence on Soccer in the United States
Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami already changed everything.
Stadiums sell out weeks in advance, social media explodes with every highlight, and millions of new fans have started watching MLS because of him.
If he plays in the 2026 World Cup, it could push soccer in the U.S. to heights it has never seen before.
A new generation of kids would fall in love with the sport — not through video games or ads, but by watching Messi live.
Final Thoughts
Whether or not Lionel Messi decides to play in 2026, his legacy is already written in gold.
He’s achieved everything a footballer could dream of, yet he still plays with the same hunger and love for the game.
And that’s why we can’t help but hope.
We all want one more World Cup moment, one more Argentina shirt, one more breathtaking free kick that makes us feel like kids again.
Until the day he decides, the question will echo through every stadium, pub, and living room on Earth:
Will Lionel Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?
Sources and Further Reading
- ESPN – Lionel Scaloni says Messi will take time on 2026 decision
- CBS Sports – Messi admits 2026 World Cup “not likely” given his age
- FIFA.com – Messi’s World Cup records and Argentina journey
