'I Haven't Made a Decision Yet' – Messi Leaves 2026 World Cup Future Open

‎Lionel Messi has left his international future uncertain after admitting he has not yet decided whether to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The Argentina captain spoke after leading his nation to a 3-0 victory over Venezuela in Buenos Aires, marking his final qualifying match on home soil.

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‎Lionel Messi says he has not decided on the 2026 World Cup, linking his future with Argentina to fitness and form after his Buenos Aires farewell.

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‎The Inter Miami forward explained that his participation in the tournament will depend on his physical condition. At 37 years old, Messi acknowledged the importance of honesty with himself when considering whether to continue at the highest level.

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‎“As I’ve said before, I don’t think I’ll play another World Cup… At my age, it’s only logical to think I might not,” Messi told TyC Sports after the match. He added, “Day by day, I try to feel good and, above all, be honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it. But when I don’t, honestly, I don’t enjoy it—and if that’s the case, I’d rather not be there. So we’ll see. I haven’t made a decision yet about the World Cup. Match by match, I’ll finish the season, then have preseason, and in six months, I’ll see how I feel. Hopefully, I can finish this MLS season strong, have a good preseason in 2026, and then make a decision.”

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‎Messi also reflected on the emotional night in Buenos Aires, describing it as the farewell he had always dreamed of. “To be able to finish this way here is what I always dreamed of—finishing with my people. For many years, I had Barcelona’s affection, and my dream was to have it here in my country as well. A lot was said over the years, but I’ll keep the good moments we built with a group that tried but couldn’t win it all, until it finally happened for me and a few from my generation. Everything we lived through was beautiful.”

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‎Teammate Lautaro Martínez highlighted the emotions of the evening, calling it “a night to remember, a night that will stay with us forever because of who Leo is—not just as a player, but as a person, as a leader, and for the lessons he gives us every day.”

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‎Messi’s brace against Venezuela extended his record tally to 114 international goals for Argentina. The Albiceleste remain top of the South American World Cup qualifiers with 38 points and will conclude their campaign with an away fixture against Ecuador on Tuesday.