Lionel Messi has said that he might play in next year’s FIFA World Cup. With 14 months remaining for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Messi has made a crucial revelation: “I have the desire to play in next year’s World Cup. It would be a lie to say otherwise. This year is crucial in deciding whether I’ll play in the World Cup,” said Messi.
Three years ago in Qatar, Messi had declared that he wouldn’t be playing another World Cup, after which he led Argentina to become champions. Messi, who will turn 38 this June, faces the challenge of recurring injuries. He has not played for Argentina in the last five months. Since his debut in 2005 for the national team, Messi has scored 112 goals in 191 matches.
Argentina, who have qualified for the 2026 World Cup as the top team from South America, have four more matches left to play. Their upcoming opponents are Chile and Colombia in June, and Venezuela and Ecuador in September. If injuries don’t interfere, Messi is likely to play in these matches as well as the World Cup. His close friend Luis Suárez also recently confirmed that Messi has the desire to play in the 2026 World Cup. Argentina secured their World Cup qualification recently by defeating Brazil.
Even in Messi’s absence, Argentina secured a 4-1 victory. Giuliano Simeone, Julián Álvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández were the goal scorers for Argentina. The first three goals came in the first half, while the fourth was scored in the second half. The scoring began as early as the fourth minute, with Álvarez finding the back of the net.
