“At worst, I’ll be there watching World Cup live” - Lionel Messi makes stance clear on 2026 FIFA World Cup

Lionel Messi has admitted he wants to be in the Argentina squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the national team captain has said that he will be at the stadium regardless to support the team on the pitch.

Speaking to ESPN, Messi said that it will be special for Argentina to play at the FIFA World Cup as defending champions and hopes to be a part of it. For the first time since the 2022 win, the Inter Miami captain has said that he wants to be at the tournament, leading the national team, and said (via Indian Express):

“I hope I can be there. I’ve said before that I’d love to be there. At worst, I’ll be there watching it live, but it will be special."

Talking about the players in the squad, Messi said he was confident about the side as they are led by manager Lionel Scaloni and added:

“The truth is we have extraordinary players, and it’s been shown for years - especially the desire and excitement since [Lionel] Scaloni took over. The mentality everyone has. It’s a squad full of winners, with strong mindsets, who want to win more, and that’s contagious. You see it in training, in matches."

"You see them train, and they give everything. We’re an amazing group that gets along very well, but in training matches or certain drills, if they have to go hard, they go hard. Everyone gives their all, and that’s a huge strength of this group and this national team.”

Lionel Messi played a key role in Argentina's qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He hinted that he would retire after the 2022 win, but has continued to play for the national team.

Argentina need to take advantage of their talent pool at FIFA World Cup, says Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi believes Argentina have a highly talented pool of players ahead of the FIFA World Cup. He added that the senior players are trying their best to make it easier for the youngsters coming through and told ESPN:

"New players keep appearing; aside from the ones already there, new faces keep coming in. When a group is like this, it’s easier for newcomers to fit in. Argentina needs to take advantage of this moment. Coming off winning the World Cup gives you confidence and relief to prepare competitions differently."

Lionel Messi has extended his deal at Inter Miami, keeping him at the club until 2028. However, he has said that he will not be playing another competitive game with the national side in Argentina, hinting that he will call it time on his international career soon.