The 2026 World Cup is approaching, but it’s still unclear if Lionel Messi will join Argentina to defend their title from the 2022 tournament in Qatar. He recently discussed the conditions that need to be met for him to participate in the event.
In an interview with NBC News’ Tom Llamas, Messi said that his involvement in the World Cup will depend not only on his desire but also on his physical condition and performance at that time.
“It’s something extraordinary to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” Messi remarked. “I hope to be present, to be fit, and to contribute to my national team.”
He explained that his decision will depend on his day-to-day condition, starting with the preseason at Inter Miami next year. “I will evaluate it daily when I start preseason with Inter [Miami] to see if I can be 100% and if I can help the team before making a decision,” he added.
Messi expressed his ongoing enthusiasm for the opportunity: “Obviously, I’m eager because it’s a World Cup. We just won the last one, and being able to defend it again on the field is amazing as it’s a dream to play with the national team in official tournaments.”
Messi reflects on the 2022 World Cup victory
After years of trying, Messi had a chance during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when he led Argentina to the final against Germany. Unfortunately, the European team won in overtime, leaving Messi without his first major title with the national squad.
However, he eventually got his opportunity. After winning his first senior title with Argentina at the 2021 Copa America, Messi captained the team to victory in the 2022 World Cup, achieving a lifelong dream and completing his career’s trophy collection.
“It was the dream of my life,” Messi said about the 2022 victory. “It was the only thing missing at a professional level since I’ve accomplished everything individually and with Barcelona, which I believe is every player’s dream. When you ask a player what their dream is, it’s to be world champion.
