It has also rocked the world of soccer, as Lionel Messi, the Argentine superstar commonly considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, has questioned whether he will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
During a press conference in Miami, the 38-year-old Inter Miami forward said he was unsure whether he would represent Argentina in the tournament, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico. This is proclaimed when Messi is still shining in Major League Soccer (MLS) and remains one of the key assets of the world champions in the World Cup, so what he says is at the centre stage of his admirers and viewers.
The Legacy of a Legend
The career of Messi is legendary. He has already won eight Ballon d’Ors, four Champions Leagues, and a World Cup in 2022, and has little to prove. By relocating to Inter Miami in 2023, he generated more buzz about MLS than it had ever had, changing the perception of the league and leading to the pursuit of other big-name athletes.
At 38 years old, Messi still plays better than his age when he wins the Inter Miami Leagues Cup in 2024 and tops the MLS scoring charts regularly in 2025. Even at the end of his career, his vision, dribbling, and scoring of goals cannot be compared with those of others. However, the physical requirements of the world competition, notably a World Cup, become a huge burden to a player who has fought injuries over the past years.
The World Cup Question
At the press conference, Messi asked him directly what plans he had in 2026. He was typically measured in his reply but gave room to speculation. He admitted that he loved playing for Argentina, and the elation of winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was a defining moment in his life and career.
However, he stated that he would make that decision based on his physical condition and consultations with his family and national team coach, Lionel Scaloni. The possibility of a World Cup on North American soil, where he has established a new home with Inter Miami, is certainly an attraction, but Messi stressed the importance of focusing on his health and his capability to deliver at the highest level.
The Argentine national team has undergone changes since their win in 2022. Although Messi is still the big man, new stars, such as Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernández, have emerged to relieve the pressure on the old man. Scaloni, who has transformed Argentina through a combination of tactical discipline and flair, has publicly championed Messi to choose his own destiny.
According to the coach, the team would never doubt any decision made by Messi, whether he remains the leader of the team or hands over the lead to the younger generation. Such transparency has led to controversy over whether Argentina can defend their title without their charisma.
The Global Impact
The indecisiveness of Messi is heard far outside Argentina. The 2026 World Cup, which will be the first World Cup to feature a 48-team elimination format, promises to be an event to remember. To be hosted in 16 cities (among them such big venues as Hard Rock Stadium in Miami), the tournament is expected to take soccer in North America to the next level.
Having Messi would be a huge attraction, and it would sell more tickets, increase viewership and international attention. His matches with Inter Miami already sell stadiums, and a World Cup would make his legacy the ultimate ambassador of the sport.
On the other hand, the possible absence of Messi would put the focus on the new stars. Other players, such as Brazilian Vinicius Jr., French Kylian Mbappe, and English Jude Bellingham, are all willing to secure their place as the new generation of leaders.
However, to a significant number of fans, a World Cup without Messi seems impossible. His competition with Cristiano Ronaldo, who has also indicated a willingness to play in 2026, has been the hallmark of a decade, and their possible ultimate clash on the international level is a story that millions of people are obsessed with.
Messi’s MLS Influence
Since Messi joined Inter Miami, he has not only taken the club but the MLS to a whole new level. His coming brought a boom in attendance, merchandise and international broadcast agreements. He has not relinquished the top position in 2025, where he has scored 22 goals in 25 games and taken Inter Miami to the top of the Eastern Conference.
He has formed a very powerful attacking force alongside his former Barcelona teammates, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba, which is being compared to their glory years in Spain. Messi is a very humble and hard-working player off the field, which has helped him earn the affection of his followers, and each action he performs is a headline.
The physical burden of MLS, as well as the global commitments, is a major consideration in the Messi World Cup decision. The league does not have as rigorous a schedule as the leading competitions in Europe, but the travelling and weather differences in North America are an issue. Messi has already missed a few matches in 2025 with minor injuries, raising concerns about whether he is durable enough to play a high-stakes tournament such as the World Cup.
Fan and Analyst Reactions
The Messi comments are ripping up the soccer world with responses. Social media fans have shown a combination of hope and anxiety, as many of them urge him to participate in one more World Cup. Analysts are divided: some argue that Messi should retire from international service to protect his health and legacy.
In contrast, those who value his competitive ethos argue that he will continue to play in 2026. Ex-teammate Angel Di Maria, who ended his international career in 2024 after the 2024 Copa America, described Messi as irreplaceable but advised him to pay attention to his body.
The Business of Messi
It is a gold mine commercially as long as Messi can be contracted to do it. His marketability is not lost on sponsors, broadcasters and tournament organisers. His promotion of brands such as Adidas and Pepsi has been and will continue to be successful, and his appearance at the World Cup will undoubtedly boost his worldwide popularity.
In the case of MLS, a World Cup hosted in the United States of America, with Messi as a star of Argentina, would be a historic event and a further reason why the league is rapidly becoming an established brand.
What’s Next?
This is one of the topics that will continue to be a point of controversy as the upcoming World Cup 2026 nears. Argentina is still in its qualifying campaign, and Messi will likely feature prominently in future matches.
He is most likely to decide based on how he performs in MLS and with the national team during the following year. In the meantime, the fans are left waiting and hoping they will someday see the maestro take the stage in the World Cup one final time.
This report highlights the enduring popularity of Messi’s career. His contribution to soccer is permanent, whether he plays in 2026 or not. The issue of his World Cup future is a question that brings even more mystery to a sport where passion, drama, and greatness are the order of the day.