Lionel Messi, a veteran of five World Cups, has left fans wondering if he might achieve the unprecedented feat of competing in a sixth. Now playing for Inter Miami, the 37-year-old Argentine icon remains noncommittal about his potential participation in the 2026 World Cup, expressing that he’s focusing on “day by day” progress.
In an interview with 433 published this Thursday, Messi commented, “I don’t know; the truth is I’ve been asked this question numerous times, especially in Argentina. I want to finish this year on a high, have a good pre-season — something I missed last year with all the travel — and from there, I’ll assess how I feel.” He acknowledged the uncertainty of the future, emphasizing that “a lot can happen in football.”
After an impressive season with Inter Miami, where he scored 20 goals and made 16 assists, Messi shared his sense of fulfillment in Major League Soccer (MLS) and his relaxed approach to his future. The Argentine superstar, who celebrated his 37th birthday in June, underscored that he has no clear long-term plans for life after football, though he did rule out a career in coaching. “I know I probably wouldn’t want to be a coach,” he admitted. “I value what I experience day to day — I just think about training, playing, and enjoying myself.”
Messi also reflected on his transition to MLS, a move that required him to adapt his playing style. Having joined Inter Miami in June 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, he adjusted his game to fit both his age and his new environment. “I was adapting to everything. I started to reinvent myself and adjust to the league; it was new for me, but I felt very comfortable from the start,” Messi noted.
His arrival in Miami proved transformative for the club. “To build a club, you need titles and competitiveness,” he stated. “The club came from a challenging year in MLS, but shortly after I arrived, we won the Leagues Cup, marking our first trophy. It was special for all of us. Now we’re eager to compete in the playoffs, aiming for the MLS Cup and hopefully more titles.”
Messi also shared his enjoyment of padel, basketball, and tennis as hobbies beyond the pitch, mentioning his preference for practicing padel. Reconnecting with former teammates Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets in Miami has further enriched his experience.
Reflecting on his legacy, Messi described winning the 2022 World Cup as “the biggest dream” of his career, expressing gratitude for the journey and the success he’s achieved. For now, the global icon remains focused on the present, content with his achievements and open to whatever lies ahead.