Messi leaves door open for 2026 World Cup participation

Lionel Messi, eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina, spoke about his possible participation in next year's World Cup in an interview with the American broadcaster NBC. Although he did not rule out the idea, the Argentine star is taking a cautious approach, stating that he will make a final decision only next year, depending on his physical form and the evolution of his career at Inter Miami CF. "To be honest, it would be great to be able to participate in the World Cup. I would like to be in shape and play an important role to help my team, if I am there," said Messi, also emphasizing that, at 38 years old, physical preparation will be the decisive factor.

• A decision postponed, but a clear desire

Messi said he would analyze the situation "day by day" after he begins training for the new season at Inter Miami. "I will evaluate the situation, see if I can be 100% fit, if I can be useful to the national team, and then I will make a decision," he explained. However, his passion for the white and blue jersey remains unchanged: "Obviously, I have every desire, because it is a World Cup. We won the last World Cup, it would be great to be able to defend the title on the field. It is always a dream to play with the national team, especially in an official competition." Messi is the most capped player in the history of the Argentine national team (195 matches) and the team's all-time top scorer (114 goals). His last important match for the "Albiceleste" on home soil was the 3-0 victory against Venezuela in September, when he managed a double. Argentina has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which will be the first of its kind with 48 teams, hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico - a detail that could facilitate the presence of Messi, who is already playing in North America.

• A decision with a symbolic impact

If he participates in the final tournament, Messi would become the first footballer in history to play in six World Cups, thus surpassing the achievements of names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lothar Matthäus and Rafael Marquez (all with five participations). Of these, only Ronaldo can improve his performances as an active footballer. Regardless of the final decision, Messi remains a central figure in the history of world football - and his possible return to the stage of football's biggest tournament would transform the 2026 World Cup into an event with a unique emotional charge for fans around the world.

• Financial, example of success

Messi is not only a legend on the field, but also a financial phenomenon: his total annual earnings exceed $130 million, according to Forbes magazine, making him the second highest-paid footballer in 2025. According to Reuters, his contract with Inter Miami places him at the top of the highest-paid players in MLS. According to official data from the MLS Players' Association, Messi has a guaranteed income of approximately $20.45 million annually, excluding bonuses and sponsorship income. In addition, according to espn.com, his contract with Inter Miami also provides for a share of revenue-sharing and commercial benefits, which raises the earning potential to $150 million over the term of the contract. These remarkable figures reflect his huge value in the sport, but also the strength of Messi's brand globally - a player whose impact goes beyond the football field.