Will Lionel Messi play 2026 World Cup?: Argentina beat Venezuela 3-0 in Buenos Aires in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier, with Lionel Messi scoring twice in what was likely his last home game in Argentina’s colors.
Messi opened the scoring in the 39th minute and added his second in the 80th. Lautaro Martínez scored in the 76th minute, while Messi came close to a hat-trick, only for his late effort to be ruled offside.
The win gave Argentina another strong result as the reigning world champions, already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. For fans, the night was emotional as Messi waved goodbye to playing a home qualifier in front of his country’s supporters.
He did not confirm if he will play in the 2026 World Cup, saying it depends on how he feels physically. Argentina has already qualified, while Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay also secured World Cup spots.
Will Lionel Messi play 2026 World Cup with Argentina?
Messi has not yet made a decision on whether he will play for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup. He is 38 and said his decision will depend on how he feels physically closer to the tournament.
Messi stated that “because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it,” but also said he is motivated and excited since the World Cup is now very close. He plans to finish this season with Inter Miami, have a full preseason in 2026, and then decide.
He made clear he will only play if he feels fit and can enjoy it. If not, he will step aside. For now, Argentina is qualified, and Messi is keeping the door open, taking it “day by day, match by match.”
Lionel Messi’s Upcoming Schedule
Messi’s next Argentina match after Venezuela will be against Ecuador on Sept. 9, the final game of 2026 World Cup qualifying.
After that, Argentina has two friendlies in the U.S. between Oct. 6 and 14 (opponents and cities not yet set). These could clash with Inter Miami’s MLS season.
After that, the World Champions will play two more friendlies between Nov. 10 and 18 in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India, during the FIFA international window, making it easier for Messi to join.
FAQs
Q. Will Lionel Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?
A. Messi has acknowledged his participation in the 2026 World Cup will come down to his fitness. “Day by day, I try to feel good and, above all, be honest with myself.
Q. Does Messi play for Argentina in the World Cup?
A. Messi does play for Argentina in World Cups. In fact, it was under him the team have bagged the 2022 World Cup, their country’s first in 36 years.
Q. Will Messi play for Argentina again?
A. Messi’s retirement announcement hasn’t come yet. So he may feature in Argentina’s game in the near future. But he has confirmed that his international career will end after the World Cup.
Q. Is Messi retiring from Argentina?
A. Messi, 38, has not yet announced when he plans to retire, but he confirmed that he doesn’t think he’ll play another World Cup considering his age.
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