Messi completed his trophy collection in 2022 as Argentina defeated France to win the World Cup. After contributing to ten goals in seven games, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was named the tournament’s best player, and many fans and commentators claimed he “completed football” with his historic victory in Qatar.

After signing with MLS club Inter Miami in June, Messi initially said he had no intention of playing for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. However, he has subsequently softened that stance. He recently told Migue Granados when pressed on if he may still appear at the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States: “I don’t know if I will reach it. I’ve mentioned as much before. Even though it is still a long way off, Copa America is on my mind. The objective is to get to the United States in time for the Copa America tournament. The outcome will be fantastic. Depending on my mood, I may or may not investigate it.

Beginning on June 20 in the United States, Argentina will look to defend the title they won in Brazil two years prior. When asked by La Nacion, Argentina’s fullback Tagliafico if he knew the secret to getting Messi to play in the 2026 World Cup, he said, “Do you know what the key is for Messi to play in the 2026 World Cup? Succeed at next year’s Copa America. He would have departed if we hadn’t won the World Cup in Qatar. But he’s the winner, so he plans to take the next few months off. However, he may be interested in continuing if we are successful at the Copa America in the United States.

Following the international break, during which Messi will be hoping that Argentina can rack up as many points as possible, he will head to the United States for some much-deserved R&R. Inter Miami is not scheduled to play again until February, when they will play a preseason friendly against Messi’s former club, Newell’s Old Boys.