Argentina’s Lionel Messi has hinted that he may retire from international football before the 2026 World Cup.
The Inter Miami star made this known after scoring twice in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Venezuela in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on Thursday.
Speaking after the game, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner hinted he could retire before next summer’s World Cup.
He then told fans that his participation at the World Cup was not a given and that he would only be involved if his body allowed him to.
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“Same as I said before about the World Cup, I don’t think I’ll play another. Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it. But well, we’re almost there, so I’m excited and motivated to play it.
“Like I always say, I go day by day, going by how I feel. I’m trying to feel good and, above all, being honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I don’t, honestly, I don’t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don’t feel good. So we’ll see. I haven’t made a decision about the World Cup.
“I’ll finish the season, then I’ll have preseason, and there will be six months left.So, we’ll see how I feel. Hopefully, I’ll have a good preseason in 2026 and finish this MLS season well, and then I’ll decide.”