Messi hints at retirement from football
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has suggested that he may not feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, admitting that his future with the national team remains uncertain.
The Inter Miami forward made the remarks after scoring twice in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday.
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, explained that his participation at the tournament would depend on how his body responds in the coming months.
“Same as I said before about the World Cup, I don’t think I’ll play another. Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it,” Messi said. “But we’re almost there, so I’m excited and motivated to play it.”
The 37-year-old stressed that he prefers to take things step by step rather than commit to long-term plans, saying he will only represent Argentina if he feels physically capable.
“I go day by day, going by how I feel. When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I don’t, I prefer not to be there if I don’t feel right. So we’ll see. I haven’t made a decision about the World Cup,” he added.
Messi noted that he would reassess his situation after completing the MLS season with Inter Miami and going through preseason ahead of the tournament.
“I’ll finish the season, then I’ll have preseason, and there will be six months left. Hopefully, I’ll have a good preseason in 2026 and finish this MLS season well, and then I’ll decide,” he said.
