“In football a lot of things always happen” - Lionel Messi shares his ‘truth’ on whether he will play 2026 FIFA World Cup

Lionel Messi has once again said that he has not decided if he will play in the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine ace shared that his current focus is on doing well every day and not setting goals for the future.

Speaking to 433, Messi acknowledged that he is constantly asked about his chances of playing at the next FIFA World Cup. However, he has not decided on it and said via Marca:

"The truth is that I don't know, I've been asked several times, especially in Argentina. I hope to have a good end of the season and then a good pre-season, something I didn't have last season because of all the traveling we did. From there, I want to see what happens, to realize how I feel. In football, a lot of things always happen. There is still a long way to go, so I'm not thinking too much about it. I'm going to live day to day without thinking too much about the future."

Lionel Messi played a key role in helping Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He was touted to retire after the tournament but winning the quadrennial event changed his mind and he has been playing regularly with the national team.

The Inter Miami superstar also played at the 2024 Copa America and helped Argentina retain the title. However, he got injured in the final and was ruled out for weeks with an ankle injury.

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Lionel Messi grateful for his career and fans

Lionel Messi acknowledged that he has fulfilled his biggest dream in football by winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He added that it was a trophy he was desperate to win and had put in a lot of effort to get there.

He told 433 via Marca:

"Let people remember me as they want. I am very grateful for my career and for having achieved everything I have thanks to God. My biggest dream was to win the World Cup, which I fought for a long time and which cost me a lot of effort. I have been lucky enough to win everything with Barcelona, with the national team, and to have a wonderful life and family, so I am very grateful to God for everything I have been through, and I will let people remember me as they want."

Lionel Messi has ruled out becoming a coach in the future as he is not interested in it. He wants to continue playing and training as long as he is having fun on the pitch.