Lionel Messi won’t play in the 2026 World Cup, unless he changes his mind. In that case, he will.
That was basically the message that the superstar delivered to the media in China, where he is with the Argentina national team ahead of a friendly in Beijing on Thursday against Australia.
Messi has been pretty consistent over the last year, saying before, during and after the 2022 World Cup that the tournament in Qatar would be his last.
Although he basically reiterated that message on Tuesday, the 35-year-old did appear to leave open the possibility he would play at a tournament during which he’ll turn 39.
Asked by Chinese outlet Titan Sports if he’ll play in 2026, Messi answered: “I think not. This was my last World Cup. I’ll see how things go, but as it is right now, no, I won’t go to the next World Cup.”
The interpretation of Messi’s words depends on which part you focus on. Is it the “this was my last World Cup” part or the “I’ll see how things go” part?
There may now be an added incentive for Messi to play in three years: Having recently announced his intention to join Inter Miami, Messi could have something of a home World Cup if he’s still in MLS by the time the tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada rolls around. Miami is even a host city.
Messi’s 2022 World Cup was the ideal way for him to bow out of the game’s biggest stage. But who’s to say that in three years if he’s still healthy and in form (admittedly big ifs), he won’t go for an encore.
His coach wants it. His teammates want it. The fans want it. Could it actually happen? Messi himself doesn’t look like he’s quite ready to rule it out just yet.
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