He said it would be “wonderful” to have the opportunity to defend his country’s world champion title and compete for the sixth time in his illustrious career. However, the Inter Miami superstar explained that he wanted to be in peak physical condition to be able to take part, in order to “contribute and be important” for Lionel Scaloni’s team.
Messi wants to play the 2026 World Cup with Argentina.
In an interview with Fabrizio Romano, Messi expressed his strong desire to travel to the United States, Canada and Mexico with Argentina next summer, if conditions are right for the 38-year-old to shine with the 2022 world champions.
Messi continues to shine with his national team, with two goals in four games in 2025. Although he announced that the 3-0 victory against Venezuela in September, in qualifying, would be his last official home match, he had until now not publicly confirmed his desire to participate in the World Cup.
The Inter Miami star is in fine form in MLS this season, with 39 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions in 2025. If he continues to play at such a high level with his club, Messi will hope to make a similar impact with Argentina next summer.
Messi “wants so much” to play in the World Cup.
Asked by Romano about the factors that will influence his decision to participate in next summer’s World Cup, Messi said: “Obviously I really want to be there, that’s obvious, but I want to go there in great shape, to be able to contribute and be important. I think it’s also about fitness and making sure I can play at my best level. »
Asked about the possibility of playing World Cup matches in Miami, Messi added: “The World Cup is always a special moment, the best moment, playing with the national team, in official competition, and even more so in the World Cup. With everything this represents, I think it will be a special World Cup. Being in the United States, I think organizationally, besides the fact that it’s a very long trip, and if I have to go play in Canada or Mexico, for other games, the travel will be very long, and I think organizationally it will be something extraordinary.
But hey, as I told you, it would be wonderful to be able to participate in another World Cup and defend the last world title that we were lucky enough to win… and to be able to compete in another one. »
Messi talks about his new contract with Inter Miami and the MLS Cup.
Further in the interview, Romano asked Messi about his future at Inter Miami after the Argentine recently signed a new three-year contract with the MLS club.
“The truth is, I’m happy. » (To sign a new contract) and the decision was easy to make. Because everything is going very well, in the family, on a daily basis, in our life and within the club too, you see? I enjoy it, I feel good physically and I get good results.
“And the truth is that to be able to continue to play here and contribute to the growth of the club, after everything that has happened since my arrival and that of my teammates – a considerable change – is really great. So I’m very happy.
“Honestly, no, it wasn’t difficult because, as I tell you, I’m very happy here. We therefore hope to continue to contribute to this growth, on and off the field.
“I hope we can raise the profile of Inter Miami winning the MLS Cup. This would be great for the club, as it would cap off the progress they have made in recent years. Winning such an important title would be spectacular for the entire locker room. On a personal level, winning a new title would be extraordinary. So, I hope we can one day immortalize this moment. »
