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 countryโs 3-0 victory over Venezuela in Buenos Aires on Thursday.
The win strengthened Argentinaโs qualification campaign, but Messiโs comments stole the spotlight.
He said his age and fitness will determine whether he plays at footballโs biggest stage again. โAs Iโve said before, I donโt think Iโll play another World Cup. At my age, itโs only logical to think I might not,โ Messi told TyC Sports.
Fitness Will Decide His Future
The eight-time Ballon dโOr winner explained that he no longer enjoys playing when he is not at his physical best.
โMatch by match, Iโll finish the season, then have preseason, and in six months, Iโll see how I feel,โ 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, Thursdayโs qualifier could mark his last appearance on home soil in a World Cup campaign.
Supporters filled the stadium with chants of โMessi, donโt leave usโ, 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 footballโs greatest rivalry end with Messiโs quiet exit?
If he does retire from international duty before 2026, Messi would leave as Argentinaโs all-time top scorer and appearance maker, achievements that few in the sport can match.
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