Lionel Messi: Inter Miami Star Refuses to Close Door on 2026 World Cup

• Lionel Messi has left the door open for him to compete for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup
• The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has seemingly left the door ajar to a final swansong
• He admitted his participation will be dependent on how he feels as he edges closer to the end of his glittering career

Despite previously stating that the 2022 World Cup would be his last, Lionel Messi hinted at the possibility of playing in the 2026 World Cup.

Messi, who will turn 37 on June 24, is set to captain Argentina, the reigning champions of the 2021 Copa América and 2022 World Cup, in what may be his final major tournament for his cherished national team this summer.

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At 39 years old during the next World Cup, speculation is rife among soccer fans worldwide, particularly in Argentina, about whether Messi will take the field again when the United States, Canada, and Mexico co-host the tournament.

“It depends on how I feel, how I am physically and being realistic with myself. And to know if I am up to the task of being able to compete and help the colleagues next to me,” said Messi during an extensive interview with Infobae.co published on Friday.

“There's a while left and I don't know how I'm going to be at that moment,” Messi said.

“Age is also a reality that is there, although it is a number, the games that I am going to play, are not the same as the ones I played when I was in Europe in competition, which were every three days, or in the Champions League or in the League where I was, both in France and in Spain. But it depends on how I feel and how I feel when I'm next to my teammates and see if I'm still up to the task or not.”

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In 12 MLS appearances this season, Messi has recorded 12 goals and nine assists. As the Argentina captain, he is now poised to lead his nation in their quest to retain the Copa América title in the coming weeks.

What's next for Messi?

Messi and Argentina will kick off the Copa América with a high-profile opener against Canada in Atlanta on June 20. They will then face Chile at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on June 25, followed by a match against Peru at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on June 29. The tournament final is scheduled for July 14 in Miami.

Before the Copa América begins, Messi and Argentina will play two friendly matches next week. They will face Ecuador at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sunday and then take on Guatemala at Commanders Field in Landover, Maryland, on June 14.

Messi debuts new celebration

In other news, Sports Brief also reported on Messi debuting a new celebration after he scored for the Herons against Atlanta United.

The veteran's goal in the 63rd minute was a classic display, threading the ball between two defenders and into the right corner of the net.