Everyone wants the same answer, but nobody can seem to get a straight one. Will Messi play in the World Cup in 2026? It’s the question that’s been hanging over international football since that wild night in Lusail back in 2022. You’d think after winning the thing, he’d just ride off into the sunset with the trophy in the passenger seat. But here we are in January 2026, and the "will he or won't he" saga is hitting a fever pitch.
Honestly, it’s complicated. If you listen to the man himself, he’s basically taking it day by day. He’s 38 now. He’ll be 39 by the time the tournament kicks off in June. That’s ancient in soccer years, even for a guy who can influence a game while walking.
What Messi Has Actually Said About 2026
Last October, Messi sat down for an interview and kept it pretty real. He admitted that he "would like to be there," but followed it up with a heavy dose of realism. He doesn't want to be a "burden" to the Argentina squad. That’s a weird word for the greatest player of all time to use, right? But it shows where his head is at. He’s worried about his body. He’s worried about whether he can still move at the level required for a month-long, high-intensity tournament.
"I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis," he told NBC’s Thomas Llamas. He’s looking at his fitness during this current Inter Miami pre-season as the real litmus test. If he feels 100%, he’s in. If he feels like he’s just taking up space, he might actually step aside. It’s a level of honesty you don't often see from superstars.
The Scaloni Factor
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni isn't making life any easier for the "he should retire" crowd. Scaloni has publicly stated that "the door will always be open" for Leo. Just last week, the two of them grabbed coffee in Argentina during the MLS off-season. Scaloni later told AFA Estudio that Messi "won't ease up" and that he’s a "born competitor."
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The vibe from the camp is clear: if Messi says he’s ready, he’s the first name on the team sheet. There is no "generational transition" that involves benching the captain if he's healthy.
The Inter Miami Connection
A huge part of the puzzle is his life in Miami. He recently signed a contract extension that keeps him with Inter Miami through 2028. That’s a long time. It means he plans on playing professional football for at least another two and a half years.
He’s not just "collecting a paycheck" either. In 2025, he racked up 29 goals and 15 assists. He led Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup title. The guy is still productive. But MLS isn't the Premier League or the Champions League. The pace is different. Messi himself has voiced concerns that the MLS schedule—which is different from the European calendar—might affect his "match sharpness" heading into a summer World Cup.
- 2025 Stats: 29 goals, 15 assists in 28 appearances.
- Contract Status: Signed through the end of the 2028 season.
- Physical State: Managed an ankle injury in 2024 but stayed mostly healthy through 2025.
The "AFA Gate" Scandal: A Strange Distraction
There's some drama off the pitch that could, weirdly, play a role in his decision. Argentina's Football Association (AFA) is currently caught up in a federal corruption inquiry dubbed "AFA Gate." It involves allegations of misappropriated funds involving AFA President Claudio Tapia.
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While most experts, including reports from the NYT News Service, suggest this won’t stop the team from playing, it adds a layer of "noise" that Messi generally hates. He’s always preferred a quiet, professional environment. If the federation becomes a circus, does he really want his final World Cup to be overshadowed by court cases and politics? Probably not.
Looking at the Group J Schedule
If he does play, we already know what the path looks like. Argentina has been drawn into Group J. It’s a bit of a mixed bag.
- June 16: vs. Algeria (Kansas City)
- June 22: vs. Austria (Dallas)
- June 27: vs. Jordan (Dallas)
On paper, Argentina should cruise through that. That might actually be the deciding factor for Messi. If he knows he doesn't have to play 90 minutes of high-octane football in the group stages, he might be more inclined to join the squad as a "super-sub" or a strategic starter who gets subbed off early.
The Six World Cups Club
If Messi takes the field in June, he’ll be the first player in history to appear in six different World Cups. He’s currently tied at five with legends like Lothar Matthäus and Cristiano Ronaldo (who is also trying for that sixth spot). For a guy who says records don't matter, that’s a pretty massive one to leave on the table.
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The Verdict: Will Messi Play in the World Cup?
Let’s be honest: all signs point to "Yes."
The contract extension in Miami, his continued involvement in the qualifiers (he finished the 2026 qualification cycle with 8 goals), and his private meetings with Scaloni suggest he’s preparing for one last dance. He’s even mentioned that "at worst," he’ll be there watching live, but his competitive streak makes it hard to imagine him sitting in a VIP box while Rodrigo De Paul and Julián Álvarez are out there fighting for a repeat.
He won't be the same Messi who slalomed through the entire Croatian defense in 2022. He’ll be a different version—smarter, more economical with his movement, and likely the most dangerous late-game substitute in the history of the sport.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the Pre-season: Keep a close eye on Inter Miami’s friendly matches this February. If Messi is playing heavy minutes and looking sharp, he's 100% going to the World Cup.
- Travel Planning: If you're planning to see him in person, focus on the Dallas games. Argentina plays two of their three group matches at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington.
- Don't Buy the Retirement Rumors: Until you hear it from his official social media or a direct AFA press release, ignore the "he's quitting" headlines. Every time he has a minor muscle tweak, the internet panics.
The 2026 World Cup is going to be a circus anyway, but with Messi in the mix, it’s the biggest show on earth. We’re just months away from finding out if the GOAT has one more miracle left in his boots.
Next Steps:
Keep an eye on the official Argentina 23-man roster announcement, which is expected in late May. Until then, his performance in the early 2026 MLS season games will be the only real indicator of his physical readiness.