October 28, 2025 | 11:02 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Inter Miami Captain, Lionel Messi, has not yet confirmed whether he will participate in the 2026 World Cup. However, the Argentine star admits that he still harbors the desire to defend the world title won in Qatar two years ago.
"Honestly, it would be amazing to be at the World Cup. I want to be there, feeling healthy, and being an important part of the national team," Messi said in an interview with NBC News, as quoted from ESPN, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
Messi stated that he will make a decision after going through the preseason next year with Inter Miami. "I will assess day by day. I will see if I can be 100 percent fit. I'm very excited because this is the World Cup. We just won it and if we can defend it, it will be truly spectacular."
"Playing for the national team has always been the dream of players, especially in official competitions. So, hopefully, God allows me to do it again," the owner of eight Ballon d'Or titles added.
La Pulga emphasized that his decision will greatly depend on his physical condition. "I try to be honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it. But if not, I would rather not be there," Messi said after Argentina's victory over Venezuela in the World Cup qualifiers last September.
The 38-year-old player added that the final decision will only be made after completing this season in Major League Soccer (MLS). "I will go through the 2026 preseason properly, complete this MLS season, and then I will decide," he said.
This season, Messi has been the main driving force for Inter Miami. He has appeared in various events: Master League Soccer, the League Cup, the Concacaf Champions League, and the Club World Cup. His achievements are impressive: 29 goals in 28 regular season matches. This led him to win the MLS 2025 Golden Boot.
Messi is also listed as a finalist for the MLS 2025 MVP. If chosen, he will be the first player to win the award for two consecutive seasons.
Earlier this month, Messi signed a new three-year contract until the end of the 2028 season. "I base the decision to play on the physical and mental feeling every day to continue playing and being part of this club. This year I feel very good and I am happy to stay in Miami, as is my family. So, this decision is easy," Messi said.
Inter Miami is now preparing to face Nashville SC in the second leg of the MLS playoff first round with a best-of-three format. The Herons are ahead 1-0 after winning at Chase Stadium, with two goals from Messi and one from Tadeo Allende.
Editor’s Choice: Lionel Messi Injured as Inter Miami Defeats Necaxa in League Cup 2025
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