Lionel Messi’s World Cup Future: A Candid Look at His Doubts and the Impact of Injuries

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward, recently delivered a stellar performance, scoring twice in a commanding 3-0 victory over Venezuela. This particular match carried significant weight, as it marked what could be his final competitive home game for the Argentina national team. At 38 years old, Messi continues to dazzle with his extraordinary talent for both his country and Inter Miami. However, a growing concern shadows his illustrious career: a series of accumulating injuries. These recurring physical setbacks could potentially hasten his decision to retire his boots, perhaps even before the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Following the emotional match, Messi spoke openly about his current physical condition, expressing genuine uncertainty regarding his participation in the next World Cup tournament. He candidly stated, “Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won`t make it. But we`re almost there, so I`m excited and motivated to play it. Like I always say, I go day by day, match by match, going by how I feel. Day by day, trying to feel good and above all, being honest with myself.”

He further elaborated on his pragmatic approach to his career: “When I feel good, I enjoy it. But when I don`t, honestly, I don`t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don`t feel good. So, we`ll see. I haven`t made a decision about the World Cup. Match by match, I`ll finish the [MLS] season, then I`ll have preseason, and there will be six months left. So, we`ll see how I feel. Hopefully, I`ll have a good preseason in 2026, and finish this MLS season well, and then I`ll decide.”

While playing remains his ultimate objective, Messi acknowledges the considerable toll that persistent injuries are taking on his body. Notably, he missed four games for Inter Miami in July due to muscular issues, and these physical problems appear to be occurring with increasing frequency as he ages. With ten more regular season matches remaining for the Herons, the demands on Messi`s physique will only intensify. This escalating workload is precisely why he believes it`s crucial to assess his condition thoroughly before making a commitment to the World Cup. The prospect of a World Cup without Messi, though difficult for many fans to imagine, is a distinct possibility at this juncture. Intriguingly, should he feature for Argentina in 2026, Messi, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, could achieve a historic milestone by becoming the first players to participate in six different World Cups.