“I think it depends on him” – Argentina star responds when asked if Lionel Messi could feature for Argentina in 2026 World Cup

Argentina v France: Final – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Source: Getty

Argentine striker Julian Alvarez recently talked about Lionel Messi’s chances of playing for the national team in the 2026 World Cup. The legendary forward returned to the pitch earlier this month after missing two months of action because of an ankle injury he picked up during the 2024 Copa America final against Colombia.

Speculation has been ripe about Lionel Messi’s presence in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, after he led Argentina to their third World Cup title in 2022 and two consecutive Copa America victories in 2021 and 2024. The Inter Miami star will be 39 years old in 2026, raising doubts about his ability to continue at the highest level.

In an interview with ESPN, Julian Alvarez was asked if Messi could make it to the 2026 World Cup. The Atletico Madrid striker said:

Yes, I think it depends on him. If he feels physically fit and is willing, feels he can help and wants to be there, perfect.”

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Lionel Messi missed Argentina’s last two World Cup qualifier games against Chile and Colombia in September due to his ankle injury. However, he is expected to return to the squad in October for the remaining games.

Messi has scored 109 goals and recorded 55 assists in 187 appearances for La Albiceleste across all competitions.

“It depends on how I feel” – Lionel Messi on playing for Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Messi in Argentina v Mexico: Group C – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Source: Getty

In an interview with InfoBae in June 2024, Lionel Messi opened up about playing for Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Argentine made it clear that it would depend on how he feels at the time, and said (via The Athletic):

“It depends on how I feel, how I am physically and knowing whether I’m at the level to be able to compete and help my team-mates. There is still a long time until the tournament, but it goes quickly. I don’t know how I will be in that moment and if I feel I will be at the level to help my team-mates.”

La Pulga also spoke about exhaustion due to his club games, and added:

“Age is also a reality, even if it is a number, and then there are my (club) games. They’re not going to be the same as when I played in European competition, which were every three days; in the Champions League or league, either in France or Spain.”

Despite being in the twilight of his career, Lionel Messi remains a prolific goal-scorer and assist-provider for both Argentina and Inter Miami. The Argentine has played a significant role in Inter Miami’s rise to the top of the table this season, alongside leading them to win the 2023 Leagues Cup – the first trophy in the club’s history.