Lionel Messi Doubts Playing In 2026 World Cup Due To Age And Fitness

Lionel Messi has expressed uncertainty about his participation in the 2026 World Cup for Argentina. The Inter Miami star, who will be 39 during the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has hinted at a possible final appearance but acknowledges that his decision will depend on his physical condition as he nears the end of his illustrious career.

"It depends on how I feel, on how I am physically," Messi said in an interview with Infobae. "I have to be realistic with myself and know if I am up to the task of being able to compete and help the team-mates next to me. There is some time left, and I don't know how I will be at that moment."

Messi also noted that age is a factor, although he believes it is just a number. He highlighted the difference in the intensity of games he plays at Inter Miami compared to his time in Europe. "It will depend on how I feel, what I feel when I'm next to my team-mates, and I'll see if I'm still up to par or not," he added.

Messi has been in impressive form this season, scoring 12 goals and providing nine assists in 12 MLS appearances. The Argentina captain is set to lead his country's bid to retain their Copa America title in the coming weeks.

According to OptaJack, Messi's 12 goals in his first 12 league matches this season are his best start since the 2012-13 season when he scored 17 goals in the same number of games.

12 - Lionel Messi has scored 12 goals in his first 12 league matches this season, last scoring more after his first 12 league games of a season in 2012-13 (17). Pace. pic.twitter.com/0D2QP4zs7w

— OptaJack (@OptaJack) June 2, 2024

La Albiceleste will kick off their Copa America campaign against Canada on June 20 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Messi believes that Argentina is always a favourite when a tournament starts, whether it is a World Cup or Copa America.

"I think that Argentina is always favourite," he said. "When a tournament starts, be it a World Cup, Copa America or whatever, Argentina is a candidate just like Brazil and more so in this Copa America. But I think that today the South American teams are very strong. Uruguay are very good, as are Colombia and Ecuador. I think it will be a very level Copa America."

Scaloni's Perspective

Lionel Scaloni will lead Argentina at a fourth international tournament and hopes Messi can guide them to another victory. Amid speculation that this could be Messi's last competition with his country, Scaloni urges fans to focus on the present rather than looking ahead.

"We Argentines are too melancholic. We are already thinking about the day when he is not there when he is still playing," Scaloni told Telemundo Deportes. "Let's enjoy it and we'll see tomorrow because I think the present is so important, not only for Argentina because, in the end, Leo plays for those who like football. Someday it will happen."