Argentine star Lionel Messi told ESPN that he may not play at the 2026 World Cup, but “at worst I will be there to watch the games”.

Messi gives exclusive interview to ESPN – Photo: ESPN

In an exclusive interview with ESPN, Messi discussed Argentina’s chances at the 2026 World Cup, as well as Inter Miami’s upcoming MLS Cup final.

However, when asked if he was likely to miss the 2026 World Cup, Messi said “not sure”.

“I hope I can be at the 2026 World Cup. At worst, I will be there to watch it live, but it will be special,” Messi said. “The World Cup is special for everyone, for any country. Especially for us, because we experience it in a completely different way.”

With the 2022 World Cup, Messi has collected all the major titles in his great career. He will turn 39 in the tournament next summer and everyone is waiting for M10 to shine for the last time on the biggest playground on the planet. Messi further assessed the strength of the current Argentina team: “The truth is that we have extraordinary players. It is a squad full of winners, with a strong mindset, a desire to win and that is very contagious. Coach Scaloni and his team have built all of this.” Messi is in very good form for Inter Miami this season with 43 goals in 48 appearances. He won the MLS Golden Boot in 2025 and helped Inter Miami win the Eastern Conference championship. Messi will soon join Inter Miami to face Vancouver Whitecaps on December 7 to compete for the MLS Cup championship.