Lionel Messi reveals his focus on health and happiness over playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite leaving the door open for a potential return.
The 37-year-old football legend, who led Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022, had previously hinted that the Qatar tournament would be his last.
However, after scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s win over Bolivia on Wednesday, Messi acknowledged that he may reconsider his decision.
“I know these can be my last games,” Messi said, leaving the door open for a potential return to the World Cup stage.
Messi’s priorities have changed, emphasizing the importance of his well-being and contentment over pursuing another World Cup appearance.
“At this point in my career, I prioritize being happy and healthy.”
“In the moment, we will see.
Thursday after receiving the America legend award from Spanish publication Marca.
“I don’t like to accelerate time or look ahead. I try to enjoy every day. I hope I can keep playing at this level to feel good and be happy.
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“When I get to do what I love I am happy. I value that more than reaching the 2026 tournament.
I haven’t set a goal to reach the World Cup, but more so to live day-to-day and be well.”
The forward started his professional career in 2004, making his official debut with Barcelona when facing Espanyol in a regular-season LaLiga match on Oct. 16.
He’s gone on to make 898 club appearances over a 20-year span, featuring for Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami CF after leaving Barcelona in 2021.
Internationally, he worked his way through the Argentinian youth national team before reaching the senior team in 2005.
He boasts a total of 112 goals in 189 appearances for Argentina, featuring in every major tournament since his debut.
Messi has become an integral part of La Albiceleste’s recent success, leading the team as captain to two Copa América trophies, the 2022 FIFA World Cup title and one Finalissima win.
He has clinched 48 major trophies in his career, but he remains determined to keep succeeding now with Inter Miami.
“The step I took to come here [to Inter Miami] didn’t mean retiring.”
“We came here to try and keep making this team big, to help the development by winning titles which we have and we’re close to clinching more.”
Messi led Miami to a meteoric rise in 2024, inspiring a 21-4-8 (W-L-D) record to lift the Major League Soccer Supporters’ Shield and will break the league record for most points in a single season with a win over the New England Revolution Saturday.
While Messi’s participation in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico remains uncertain, his recent performances suggest he still has much to offer on the international stage.
