Argentina maestro doesn’t want his career to end but “knows the moment is coming”
Lionel Messi has admitted he remains uncertain about featuring at the 2026 World Cup, despite scoring twice in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Venezuela that confirmed their place at next summer’s tournament.
The 38-year-old captained his country in Buenos Aires on Friday but was cautious when asked about extending his international career to a fifth World Cup.
“In the past, I said logically it was unlikely I’d play in a World Cup at 39,” said Messi. “It’s nine months away, which feels close, but it’s also a long time. I love playing and I never want it to end, but I know the moment is coming. It will happen when it has to happen.”
As Messi’s career continues to wind down, he has increasingly dealt with fitness problems. He has missed stretches of games in his second season at Inter Miami especially. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed afterwards that Messi would not travel for the final qualifier against Ecuador in Guayaquil, opting instead to rest his captain.
Messi has appeared in five previous World Cups, lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022. He has also played a vital role in helping Argentina qualify for the 2026 edition and his performance against Venezuela suggests he could still have more to give.
Messi said: “When I feel good, I enjoy myself. If I’m not feeling well, I struggle, and I’d rather not be playing. We’ll see.”
