Lionel Messi has admitted he is not sure about featuring at the fifa-world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Argentina captain, now 38, spoke after scoring twice in his country’s 3-0 victory over Venezuela in Buenos Aires on Thursday.
The win strengthened Argentina’s qualification campaign, but Messi’s comments stole the spotlight.
He said his age and fitness will determine whether he plays at football’s biggest stage again. “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.
Fitness Will Decide His Future
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner explained that he no longer enjoys playing when he is not at his physical best.
“Match by match, I’ll finish the season, then have preseason, and in six months, I’ll see how I feel,” he said.
Messi made it clear that his decision will not be about glory but about how much his body can still handle at the elite level.
For Argentina fans, Thursday’s qualifier could mark his last appearance on home soil in a World Cup campaign.
Supporters filled the stadium with chants of “Messi, don’t leave us”, reflecting the weight of his possible absence in 2026.
A Career Nearing Its Final Chapter?
Messi has already won everything possible in football, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which cemented his legacy.
The 2026 edition in the United States, Mexico, and Canada could be his fifth World Cup appearance if he decides to play.
His uncertainty contrasts with Cristiano Ronaldo, who has confirmed his desire to feature in 2026 with Portugal.
Fans are now wondering: will football’s greatest rivalry end with Messi’s quiet exit?
If he does retire from international duty before 2026, Messi would leave as Argentina’s all-time top scorer and appearance maker, achievements that few in the sport can match.
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