Lionel Messi aims for World Cup 2026 glory as he turns 39. Can he still achieve it?
This possibility gained attention after the 38-year-old superstar hinted at his desire to help Argentina defend its title in North America next year.
In an interview with NBC News on October 27, 2025, he described a World Cup return as “something extraordinary” with the Albiceleste, further fueling speculation about his intentions.
Messi will assess his fitness concerns while he plays for Inter Miami in the preseason next year.
Argentina is one of six CONMEBOL representatives to join the list of qualified teams for the World Cup 2026.
Messi seeks World Cup 2026: Did Inter Miami extension precede this latest announcement?
These developments followed Messi’s decision to re-sign with Inter Miami for two more years, just days earlier.
This ensures the Argentine striker plays in Major League Soccer until after the 2028 season.MeMessi and his team likely would not have signed a new deal without considering his long-term fitness.
The striker also acknowledged his preference for residing in South Florida.
Messi had earlier indicated that staying in Miami provided comfort for him and his family.
Additionally, his commitment to Inter Miami could indicate his broader ambitions, possibly aligning with his World Cup objectives.
Take a look back at our predictions and results as the 2026 World Cup qualifiers continue.
FIFA World Cup: Lionel Messi records
| Year | Accomplishment | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | First goal (vs Serbia and Montenegro) on June 16, 2206 | Youngest goal scorer for Argentina (18 years, 358 days) |
| 2006 and 2022 | Messi’s first and latest World Cup goals span 16 years and 184 days apart | Longest span of first and latest goals in World Cup history. |
| 2006-2022 | Scored goals for Argentina in his teens, 20s, and 30s | Only player to score a goal at the World Cup in three decades. |
| 2014 | Won Player of the Match four times | Shares record for players with most wins in one edition (with Wesley Sneijder, who also won four at South Africa in 2010) |
| 2006-2022 | Scored 13 overall goals | Most goals by an Argentina player in World Cup history. |
| 2006-2022 | Recorded six assists in knockout phase | Shares record for most assists in knockout phase (along with Pele) |
| 2006-2022 | Posted an assist in all five World Cup stints | Only player to register an assist in all five World Cups he took part in. |
Source: FIFA.com
Messi at the FIFA World Cup 2026 means another chance to play for flag and country
Messi’s decision to play for Argentina, possibly for one last time before he calls it a career, is remarkable by any measure.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner mentioned the importance of playing for the country, a lesson for younger players.
“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” Messi said.
“I want to be there, stay fit, and play an important role for my national team, if selected,” he said.
Messi had played in five straight World Cups for Argentina, dating back to 2006.
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Will Scaloni make changes to Argentina’s roster after the September 2025 qualifiers?
Coach Luis Scaloni assembled an Argentina roster that already featured Messi at the September 2025 World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
The Albiceleste fielded a lineup that’s not dependent on Messi, becoming the first CONMEBOL team to qualify for the World Cup.
Argentina enlisted an impressive group of attackers to join Messi.
Among those named by Scaloni were Angel Correa, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, and Jose Manuel Lopez.
Also included was Franco Mastantuono, who joined Real Madrid after the FIFA Club World Cup.
Stay updated on World Cup tickets news and hospitality packages here.
Argentina’s World Cup roster: September 2025 qualifiers
| Player | Position | Pro Team |
|---|---|---|
| Emiliano Martinez | Goalkeeper | Aston Villa |
| Geronimo Rulli | Goalkeeper | Marseille |
| Walter Benitez | Goalkeeper | Crystal Palace |
| Cristian Romero | Defender | Tottenham Hotspur |
| Nicolas Otamendi | Defender | Benfica |
| Nahuel Molina | Defender | Atletico Madrid |
| Gonzalo Montiel | Defender | River Plate |
| Leonardo Balerdi | Defender | Marseille |
| Juan Foyth | Defender | Villareal |
| Nicolas Tagliafico | Defender | Lyon |
| Marcos Acuna | Defender | River Plate |
| Julio Soler | Defender | Bournemouth |
| Facundo Medina | Defender | Marseille |
| Alexis MacAllister | Midfielder | Liverpool |
| Exequiel Palacios | Midfielder | Leverkusen |
| Allan Varela | Midfielder | Porto |
| Leandro Paredes | Midfielder | Boca Juniors |
| Thiago Almada | Midfielder | Atletico Madrid |
| Nico Paz | Midfielder | Como |
| Rodrigo De Paul | Midfielder | Inter Miami |
| Giovani Lo Celso | Midfielder | Real Betis |
| Claudio Echeverri | Midfielder | Manchester City |
| Franco Mastranuono | Midfielder | Al-Qadsiah |
| Valenrin Carboni | Midfielder | Athletic Club |
| Guiliano Simeone | Attacker | Atletico Madrid |
| Angel Correa | Attacker | Tigres |
| Julian Alvarez | Attacker | Atletico Madrid |
| Nicolas Gonzalez | Attacker | Juventus |
| Lionel Messi | Attacker | Inter Miami |
| Lautaro Martinez | Attacker | Inter Milan |
| Jose Manuel Lopez | Attacker | Palmeiras |
| Luis Scaloni | Coach |
Lionel Messi seeks World Cup 2026 stint: In retrospect
Argentina’s football association is expected to welcome Messi’s latest interest in playing for the Albiceleste.
A record sixth World Cup appearance to help Argentina defend its 2022 victory would be a dream conclusion for Messi.
Messi’s re-signing with Inter Miami through the 2028 season reflects the striker’s belief that he still has a lot of football in him.
Messi’s presence alone should inspire Scaloni and the team toward another deep World Cup run. Whether he plays in another World Cup next year or not, one thing’s certain: Lionel Messi’s World Cup legacy is firmly secured.
Visit our FIFA World Cup 2026 website for more football news and other updates.
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