Shortly after Lionel Messi announced he was headed to the United States to join MLS’s Inter Miami, the soccer legend was asked if he plans to continue playing so he’s available to play in the 2026 World Cup to help his home country Argentina defend its title.
Messi did say before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar that it would be his last, but that he would continue competing for Argentina’s national team. However, since he won his first World Cup, fans wondered if he changed his mind about 2026. It doesn’t sound like it.
“I don’t think so,” Messi said, via Chinese outlet Titan Sports. “This was my last World Cup. I’ll see how things go, but in principle, no, I won’t go to the next World Cup.”
Lionel Messi says that he won't play in the next World Cup in 2026 🥺 pic.twitter.com/VUfzIBfs0J
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 13, 2023
The 35-year-old will join Inter Miami after his departure from Paris Saint-Germain just weeks ago. He turned down opportunities at his former club Barcelona and the Saudi Arabian Pro League’s Al Hilal.
