Lionel Messi (36) may have finally won his first World Cup in Qatar in December, but, it may be his last. According to the Inter Miami striker, it will be “difficult” for him to participate in the 2026 edition that will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. 

Messi’s first World Cup victory in 2022 was a major factor in the success of his team in Qatar. He scored twice in the championship game, helping Argentina upset France in a shootout. It was the last hardware he needed to complete his collection, and Messi has said that it played a role in his decision to transfer to the United States this summer. Following the expiry of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, the former Barcelona attacker elected to join MLS team Inter Miami and he remarked that having achieved all he set out to do in his career, he could allow himself be affected by non-sporting elements.

Messi told France Football that he plans to keep playing “until he feels that he no longer can,” but he is not optimistic about his prospects of playing in the 2026 World Cup. After winning the world championship, it’s natural to desire to continue competing in exhibition matches like this. However, that date is far in the future (2026). The former PSG attacker has remarked, “Even if it comes quickly, there are a few years before the World Cup and I don’t want to look so far ahead.” 

“It’s not about being there just to be there; it’s about feeling good and being able to contribute something to the team,” he continued. I expect it to be challenging because I’ll be 39, but we’ll see how my body responds.