What Messi said about his participation in the 2026 World Cup

In an exclusive interview with Infobae from the Le Méridien Hotel in Dania Beach, Florida, Lionel Messi addressed the question that all Argentines are asking: will he play in the 2026 World Cup? The soccer star, relaxed and focused on the Copa América, did not give a definitive answer, but he did share his reflections on the subject. Messi said that his participation in the next World Cup will depend on several factors, mainly how he feels physically and mentally at that moment. “It depends on how I feel, how I am physically and being realistic with myself,” said the captain of the Argentine National Team. He acknowledged that age is a factor to consider, since he will be 39 years old for the 2026 World Cup, and that the pace of play in the United States is not the same as it was in Europe.However, Messi did not completely close the door to the possibility of playing in his sixth World Cup. He stressed that there is still time for the tournament and that everything will depend on how his physical condition evolves and if he continues to feel up to competing at the highest level and contributing to the team. “There’s still a while left and I don’t know how I’m going to be at that moment,” he 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.” In the interview, Messi also spoke about Angel Di Maria’s farewell to the Argentine National Team, and how the golden generation of Argentine players, of which he is a part, is nearing the end of their careers. “Just yesterday or the day before yesterday we were talking about it, which is already Ota, Fide and me, and well… we’re only going to be two now,” Messi reflected.

Original source in Spanish