FIFA president Gianni Infantino implies that Lionel Messi will play in 2026 World Cup with Argentina

FIFA president Gianni Infantino appeared to suggest that Lionel Messi will take part in the 2026 World Cup with Argentina, fueling speculation about the Inter Miami star’s international future.

Lionel Messi’s potential participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Argentina remains uncertain, as the Inter Miami star has expressed interest in playing but admitted he has yet to make a final decision. The Argentine would be 39 years old when the tournament kicks off, raising questions about whether he will suit up for another World Cup run. Amid this uncertainty, FIFA president Gianni Infantino appeared to hint at Messi’s involvement in a recent Instagram post.

While fans worldwide hope to see Messi lead Argentina in 2026, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner emphasized that he is taking things one step at a time. “I’ll see how it goes. Obviously, you think about it, but you don’t want to set goals either. I want to live day by day, see how I feel physically, and be honest with myself about whether I’m ready or not,” Messi told Simplemente Fútbol back in April.

Amidst this scenario, Infantino congratulated Messi in an Instagram post for joining an exclusive group of players who have scored in both the FIFA Club World Cup and the World Cup. He then wished Messi success “for next year’s tournament,” a comment widely interpreted as hinting at Messi’s potential participation in 2026.

“The great @leomessi added to his glorious list of achievements when he scored at the recent FIFA Club World Cup, becoming part of a special group of players who have also scored at the @fifaworldcup! A world champion and two-time FIFA World Cup Golden Ball winner, I have great memories of our interaction in Qatar in 2022 and wish you the best for next year’s tournament,” Infantino wrote.

Lionel Scaloni on Messi and the 2026 World Cup

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has also expressed hope that Messi will be available for the next World Cup but stressed that no decision will be made until closer to the tournament.

“Both he and his teammates are aware there’s still time,” Scaloni said in an interview with D-Sports on Jan. 31. “He wants to play in the World Cup, and so do they, but nothing can be guaranteed. We need to see how everyone arrives. He knows what we think, and he’s the smartest of them all”. While Messi’s future on the international stage remains undecided, Infantino’s remarks have added intrigue to Argentina’s preparations for 2026.

From: bolavip.com