Mansion Sports – Lionel Messi has yet to confirm his plans regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leaving Argentina and fans around the world in suspense over whether the legendary forward will be part of the squad aiming to defend their world title next year. 

The iconic No. 10 remains a member of Lionel Scaloni’s current squad, but he has made it clear that he does not wish to “be a burden” to the team.

Messi Yet to Decide on His International Future

It is difficult to imagine Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, being considered a burden to his country. 

However, the 38-year-old acknowledges that competing in Major League Soccer (MLS) may leave him less sharp physically ahead of next summer’s tournament.

Messi is currently approaching the end of the domestic season in the United States, where his prolific goal-scoring form has helped Inter Miami reach the MLS Cup Playoffs Conference semifinals. 

Success in that competition would cap off a memorable year for the Argentine, who recently signed a contract extension with Inter Miami that runs until 2028.

While his club career continues to flourish, questions surrounding his international future persist. Messi played his last match on home soil after helping Argentina navigate the World Cup qualifiers, and many believe he may retire from international football following the 2026 tournament. To date, he has earned 195 caps and scored 114 goals for La Albiceleste.

Messi Admits Uncertainty Over His Physical Readiness

Messi has not yet confirmed whether he will make himself available for Argentina next summer, having already led his nation to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022. 

The MLS calendar, which begins in the spring, differs significantly from that of Europe, meaning Messi’s preparation period before the World Cup will be shorter and less conventional.

When asked by SPORT about his potential involvement in the tournament, Messi admitted he remains unsure. Responding to the suggestion that the approaching World Cup sounded “very exciting,” he said:

“Of course, it is. The World Cup is always something special. Playing for the national team is a privilege, especially in such a major tournament — even more so after winning it once. But as I’ve said before, I don’t want to become a burden. I want to feel completely fit and confident that I can still contribute to the team. Our schedule is different from Europe’s — we’ll have preseason in the middle of it, with only a few matches before the World Cup — so we’ll have to see day by day how I feel physically and whether I can perform at the level I expect of myself.

“I know how special the World Cup is. It’s the biggest competition in football. I’m excited, but I’m taking things one day at a time.”

Argentina Preparing for Life After Messi

Argentina’s national team has already begun preparing for the post-Messi era. The veteran forward’s occasional absences through injury have allowed other players to step into his creative role. Head coach Lionel Scaloni expressed satisfaction with the squad’s current depth and adaptability.

Speaking about how the team might function without its long-time talisman, Scaloni said: “Right now, the team is in a place where it can play with or without Leo in the same way. In the past, that was harder — we had to adjust several positions. But now, we don’t need to change our structure. The team plays with the same identity, and that’s a very positive thing.”

Messi Enjoys Private Visit to Camp Nou

As Argentina prepare for a friendly match against Angola, Messi joined the national team’s training camp in Alicante. 

During his stay in Spain, the former Barcelona star made a discreet visit to Camp Nou ahead of the stadium’s grand reopening following extensive renovations.

Messi expressed his joy at returning to a place filled with memories and revealed that he and his family hope to settle permanently in Catalonia in the future.