Lionel Messi excites all of Argentina: 'I’d love to play in the 2026 World Cup.'

After confirming his continuity at Inter Miami, Lionel Messi reignited the hopes of Argentine fans. In an interview with NBC, the Inter Miami star spoke candidly about his desire to play in the 2026 World Cup. "It's something extraordinary to be able to play in a World Cup, and I'd love to," said the captain of the national team.

The world champion in Qatar 2022 clarified, however, that his participation will depend on his physical condition at the start of next season. "I'd like to be there, to be in good shape, and to be a key piece to help my national team if I make it. I'll evaluate it day by day when preseason starts next year with Inter, and I'll see if I can really be at 100% (45.4 kilograms), if I can be useful to the group, to the national team, and then I'll make a decision. Obviously, I'm extremely eager because it's a World Cup," the Rosario native explained.

At 38 years old, Messi has already played in five World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022), but he still dreams of defending the title won in Qatar. "We come from winning the last World Cup, and being able to defend it again on the field is spectacular, because it's always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions," he noted.

Meanwhile, number 10 recalled the most emotional moment of his career: lifting the World Cup. "It was the dream of my life. It was also true that it was the only thing I was missing professionally, because I'd been fortunate enough to achieve everything with Barcelona. I think that's every player's dream: to be world champion," he said with nostalgia.

More relevant than ever, Messi continues to combine humility and greatness. As he analyzes his future, his message once again sparks hope among Argentine fans: the possibility of seeing him once more in the sky blue and white at the 2026 World Cup remains open.