Lionel Messi has revealed he is considering playing in next year’s FIFA World Cup but will base his final decision on his physical fitness.
The 38-year-old Inter Miami forward, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, expressed his desire to help the Albiceleste defend their title when the United States, Mexico, and Canada co-host the tournament.
In an interview with NBC News broadcast on Monday, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said, “It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to. I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there.”
Messi, who will turn 39 next June, explained that he would evaluate his condition during Inter Miami’s preseason before making a commitment.
“I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group, to the national team, and then make a decision,” he stated.
The Argentine captain, whose professional career began in 2004, described the prospect of competing in another World Cup as a dream opportunity.
“I’m really eager because it’s a 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,” he added.
Messi made his senior debut for Barcelona at 17, later joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before his move to Major League Soccer in 2023.
Speaking about his life in the United States, Messi said he had adapted well to Miami.
“The truth is that I like everything about living here. I spent a lot of time in Barcelona, which for me is an extraordinary city where I grew up and had many spectacular moments, and which we miss a lot. But Miami is a city that allows us to live very well, enjoy life, be calm, and let the kids be themselves,” he said.
Messi remains Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 114 goals in 195 appearances for the national team.
