According to previously disclosed information, Lionel Messi has reconsidered his decision on whether or not he will be present at the 2026 World Cup.
Lionel Messi has made repeated promises, both before and during the 2022 World Cup, that the final round of the tournament would be the last one he would compete in, regardless of whether Argentina would win the championship or not. These promises have been offered both before and during the tournament. The forward in question was then 35 years old and did not believe that he could continue participating at his optimal level during the 2026 World Cup. Therefore, he decided to leave the competition.
Messi further clarified that he would not participate in further World Cup competitions after Argentina’s success in the tournament. After Argentina’s victory, Messi continued with his statements. He has indicated that he is in no hurry to retire from his international career because he wants to play like the “reigning world champion”, but the forward has refused to talk about the 2026 World Cup. This despite the fact that he has stated that he is not even close to retire from his international career.
On the other hand, it seems that Messi has reconsidered his decision after having the opportunity to play for Inter Miami in the United States. Among the nations that will host the World Cup in 2026, the United States of America, along with Canada and Mexico, is one of the nations that should be recognized as potential host nations. Furthermore, the 2023 Ballon d’Or aims to continue providing contributions to Argentina at a time when the country is experiencing a wave of devotion from its fans. This is a period when Argentina is experiencing an increase in devotion.
During the time Messi helped Argentina win the World Cup in 2022, he was constantly criticized for appearing to blow up in Barcelona. There were many reasons for this criticism. Messi made the following statement in his most recent interview, broadcast on Star+: “Time will tell whether or not I will be in the 2026 World Cup.” The statement was made by Messi. In fact, I’m getting closer to the age where players typically don’t participate in major events. That is why I have declared that I do not think I will be able to attend the 2026 World Cup.
“Many people had the presumption that I would soon leave my position in the national team when I won the 2022 World Cup. That was the idea that many people had. As a result of the fact that I have achieved everything, that is a concept that naturally comes to mind. On the other hand, the situation is different from what it was before. It is at this very moment that my desire to play for Argentina is stronger than ever. As a consequence of the many years of suffering to which we have been subjected, today we are living a unique experience that I have never had the pleasure of living before with Argentina. “I want to enjoy it,” he said.
At the same time that I am not debating whether or not I will participate in the 2026 World Cup, I also do not definitively announce that I will not do it because anything can happen. Taking into account both my age and my performance, I have concluded that it would be prudent for me to refrain from participating. Still, events are now taking place. After my performance in the Copa América, I will carry out additional evaluations. I don’t rule out the possibility of something happening, even though the truth is not simple.
