“A Divine Wish”: Messi Raises New Questions About Potential Participation in the 2026 World Cup

Lebanon Today

“Lionel Messi,” the star of “Inter Miami” in the United States and the captain of the Argentine national team, has raised new questions about his possible participation in the 2026 World Cup. He confirmed that he has not made his final decision yet, and will assess his physical and technical condition before making any decisive decision.

In an interview with the American channel “NBC,” Messi stated: “Playing in the 2026 World Cup? I don’t know yet… I would like to be there and be in good shape, and be an important pillar in helping the national team, if I participate in the tournament.”

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner added: “I will assess my situation day after day when I start the preparation period with Inter Miami in preparation for the new season, and I will see if I am really able to be 100% ready, and if I am able to be useful to the team and my colleagues, then I will make my decision.”

“Leo” expressed: “I hope that God gives me another opportunity to participate in the World Cup,” noting that he participated in five consecutive editions between 2006 and 2022.

“Messi” (38 years old) confirmed that he still feels passionate about representing his country in major tournaments, adding: “It is clear that I am very excited, because we are talking about the World Cup… We are world champions, and trying to defend the title will be wonderful, because playing with the national team is always a dream, especially in official tournaments.”

It is noteworthy that “Messi” led the Argentine national team to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, after an outstanding performance that culminated in him winning the award for best player in the tournament, in an achievement considered by many to be the culmination of a career spanning more than two decades on the field, and he also contributed to winning the Copa America title twice in 2021 and 2024.

Since his move to the American “Inter Miami” in 2023 coming from the French “Paris Saint-Germain,” questions have increased about “Leo’s” ability to maintain his physical and technical level with age, especially in light of the busy schedule of the American league competitions.

“Lionel Messi’s” readiness and continuity in performing are expected to be one of the main factors in his final decision regarding participating in the upcoming World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in three countries: the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico.

The former “Barcelona” and “Paris Saint-Germain” star continued: “I am not an eternal player, and I am no longer as strong and fast as I was 10 years ago, but I am currently trying to add new methods to my playing style, such as being more effective in midfield.”

He added: “Many players have become obsessed with individual records, and they end up overlooking the main goal, which is the success of the team and winning various titles, and to break records, the team must achieve victories.”

The 2026 edition of the tournament will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which is the first time that three countries have hosted the tournament together, and it will also witness the participation of 48 teams instead of 32, in a historical expansion that will increase the number of matches and the chances of the teams competing.

According to Argentine media, the national team’s technical staff, led by “Lionel Scaloni,” will not close the door to “Messi,” and the final decision will remain with the player until the last moments before the tournament. “Messi” is seen as not just a key player, but a symbol and moral leader within the team, which makes him a pivotal element even if he does not participate in all matches.

Some analysts believe that “Messi” may choose to continue until the next World Cup if he feels that he is able to provide the required addition, especially in light of his strong desire to defend the title he won four years ago, while others suggest that the player may be satisfied with participating in friendly matches or even just being among his colleagues if he is not in his best physical condition.

Reports indicate that “Messi” is currently focusing on his new season with “Inter Miami,” after renewing his contract until 2028, as he seeks to lead the team to achieve positive results in the American League and the CONCACAF Champions Cup, before seriously starting to think about his international future.

In light of “Lionel Messi’s” failure to announce his final decision yet, the possibility of his participation in the 2026 World Cup remains a matter of global interest, as his appearance in the upcoming tournament may represent the end of an exceptional career considered among the greatest in the history of football.