Will Lionel Messi play at the 2026 World Cup?
Lionel Messi helped Argentina to the 2022 World Cup, but the Inter Miami superstar is yet to confirm he'll defend the title in the United States.
The enduring image of the 2022 World Cup is that of Lionel Messi, bending slightly to kiss the World Cup trophy he finally could call his own. Messi has since moved to Florida, where he continued to add to his silverware collection by lifting MLS Cup in 2025, the Supporters' Shield in 2024 and Leagues Cup in 2023. But will he be on the fields in the U.
S. this summer helping Argentina defend that World Cup title won in Qatar? While Messi continues to suit up consistently for both Inter Miami and Argentina, he is yet to officially confirm that he will play in the 2026 World Cup.
Most analysts, however, expect him to play at one more tournament, making it a sixth World Cup alongside longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo this summer. Already, Messi has played in more World Cup matches than any other player in history, his 26 games edging out Germany's Lothar Matthäus. What did Argentina's coach say about Messi's World Cup future?
Lionel Scaloni must be one of the people rooting hardest for Messi to confirm he'll be at the 2026 World Cup. The Argentina manager won the World Cup with Messi and also utilized the superstar during qualification for this tournament. Argentina topped the South American standings with 12 wins, four defeats and a pair of draws.