Will Lionel Messi play in the 2026 World Cup? This question continues to echo among his fans. Now there is a little light from his friend and teammate at Inter Miami, Luis Suarez.
Quoted by ESPN, in an interview with El Pais, Suarez revealed that Messi has a desire to appear in the biggest football event. “We talk and joke about it a lot, but he (Messi) also has a desire to play in the World Cup next year,” Suarez said.
Despite being 37, Messi doesn’t seem to be thinking about retirement. Suarez himself said they have never seriously discussed hanging up their boots.
“Obviously, after not playing for the national team for so long, the desire is less on my part than it is on his,” Suarez continued.
The Uruguayan legend admits that Messi’s passion still burns bright. Indeed, Messi’s performance at the 2022 World Cup was extraordinary. He led Argentina to victory after they were shocked by Saudi Arabia in the opening game.
Not only that, but Messi also lifted the 2024 Copa America trophy. In the space of two years, he has won two major titles for his country.
Argentina have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. However, the certainty of Messi’s participation is still a mystery. Suarez himself is reluctant to dig too deep.
“No, no, I haven’t asked him. I know how he is and I didn’t ask him about it,” he said when asked if Messi had ever given an answer.
Time, said Suarez, will tell. “Time will tell,” he added calmly.
On the other hand, Suarez has not yet decided when he will retire. Although he is 38 years old, his passion for playing still burns.
“As long as the spirit is still burning, I want to keep competing until I can’t anymore,” he said.
He admitted that he has no deadline for when he will stop. Personal goals are still the main motivation. Suarez wants to score 600 goals in his career and become one of the top 10 all-time scorers.
“Although I am 38 years old, I have set myself the goal of reaching a number that would be unique and extraordinary for a Uruguayan footballer, like being in the top 10 of all-time scorers in the history of the game,” he said passionately.
At Inter Miami this season, his performances have been solid. He has four goals and six assists from 13 games.
Suarez’s contract expires at the end of the season, but he is open to an extension.
“If I feel capable and they (Inter Miami) see that I am capable of helping, they are willing (to extend the contract),” he said.
He is also enjoying the performance of the team, which has now reached the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup.
“I’m very excited and enjoying the development of this team,” he concluded.
