I don't enjoy it — Messi casts doubt on his 2026 World Cup participation

Argentina's captain Lionel Messi has cast doubt on his participation in the 2026 World Cup, stating that he has yet to decide whether he will feature. 

The 38-year-old led the Albiceleste to World Cup glory in Qatar 2022 and was expected to retire immediately after. However, he has continued to play, winning the Copa America after. 

He had initially said the 2022 tournament would be his last, but with the 2026 World Cup less than a year away, it has been assumed that Messi will partake. However, he said he remains undecided. 

The former Barcelona star played what is expected to be his final World Cup qualifier game in Argentina earlier today. He scored a brace to help the world champions beat Venezuela 3-0. 

After the match, celebrated as a farewell, Messi said he had not decided on playing at the World Cup and will only feature if he is in the right physical condition. 

"Same as I said before about the World Cup, that I don’t think I’ll play another... Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it,” he told reporters, per AlbicelesteTalk. 

“But, well, we’re almost there so I’m excited and motivated to play it. Like I always say, I go day by day, match by match. That’s it – taking it day by day, going by how I feel. 

"Day by day 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. 

"Match by match, I’ll finish the season, then I’ll have pre-season, 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."