Leo Messi: “It’s going to be a special World Cup”

As the 2026 World Cup draws ever closer, doubts about whether Lionel Messi will participate with Argentina continue to grow. On a number of times the Argentine star has stated that he has not yet made a final decision as he seeks to reach peak physical condition to contribute to the Albiceleste team.

In an interview with Fabrizio Romano for the website 4-3-3, which was also shared by Romano and MLS, Messi reiterated his desire to participate in the World Cup with Argentina, although he insisted that this would depend on being 100% physically fit and able to perform at the level required for a World Cup.

“My desire and enthusiasm to be able to be there are more than clear and I have a lot of them, but I want to feel good to try to contribute and be important, I think it comes down to that, being physically well and sure that I can perform at the highest level”, Messi explained in an interview with Romano.

Despite his continued uncertainty regarding his participation in the World Cup, Messi expressed his desire to play in the 2026 World Cup, which he described as special, as he believes that a country like the United States, along with Mexico and Canada, have prepared an exceptional organization, increasing his desire to be competing in less than a year.

“Playing with the national team is always special, it’s the ultimate, especially in official competitions and a World Cup, with everything that entails. And I think it’s going to be a special World Cup because, being in the United States, I think that organizationally, beyond the long trips if you have to go and play different matches in Canada or Mexico, those are going to be very long trips.

But organizationally, it’s going to be something extraordinary. But I tell you, it would be wonderful to be able to be in another World Cup and defend the championship that we were lucky enough to win and be able to participate in one more,” said the Inter Miami player.

Messi on contract renewal with Inter Miami: “It was an easy decision”

Days after renewing his contract with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi revealed to Fabrizio Romano that the decision wasn’t difficult for him and his family, as he said he felt comfortable with his life in Miami and his desire to achieve great things with Inter Miami was fundamental in making this important choice.

“I’m really happy, it was an easy decision because we’re doing very well as a family, in our day-to-day lives, and at the club too. I’m enjoying myself, feeling good physically, and getting positive results. Being able to continue here and helping the club grow after what happened with my arrival and that of my teammates, which was a huge change, is really wonderful. So I’m very happy, it wasn’t difficult. We’re very happy here, and we hope to continue contributing to the growth both on and off the field,” he explained.

Finally, Messi stated that he hopes to finish this MLS season with the MLS Cup title and thereby contribute to the growth of the club in Fort Lauderdale.

“It would be great for the club to win the MLS Cup because it would help with all the growth it has experienced in recent years, and winning a major title for the club would be spectacular for the entire locker room. Personally, winning another title would be extraordinary,” Messi stated.

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