Lionel Messi Hints He May Miss 2026 World Cup

Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, has said he is not certain about playing at the 2026 World Cup. Messi has claimed he does not enjoy playing football when he is not fully fit. The 38-year-old made this admission after scoring twice in the 3-0 win over Venezuela on Thursday. It could be the last time that Messi features in a qualifying game on home soil.

“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. According to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, his participation at next year’s World Cup will come down to his fitness.

“Match by match, I’ll finish the season, then have preseason, and in six months, I’ll see how I feel,” he said.