### Messi's Aspirations for the 2026 World Cup: A Glimpse into His Future with Argentina Lionel Messi, the iconic Argentine footballer, has expressed a strong desire to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in North America. At 38 years old, Messi acknowledges that his age and physical condition will play a crucial role in determining his participation. He recently extended his contract with Major League Soccer's Inter Miami until 2028, indicating that he is not ready to retire just yet. Messi's commitment to the national team remains steadfast as he aims to defend Argentina's title from the 2022 World Cup victory, but he emphasizes that his health will ultimately dictate his decision [https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/soccer/news/lionel-messi-hint-2026-world-cup-and-future-argentina/d4c30bf17b15aa7f150a617d][https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/messi-eyes-2026-world-cup-despite-age-and-fitness-concerns-5428676]. ### Structure of Messi's 2026 World Cup Considerations 1. **Desire to Compete**: Messi has openly stated his wish to play in the 2026 World Cup, highlighting the significance of the tournament for him and the Argentine team. 2. **Health as a Deciding Factor**: He has made it clear that his participation will depend on his physical fitness, stating, "My body will decide if I play" [https://thewhistler.ng/my-body-will-decide-if-i-play-2026-wcup-says-messi]. 3. **Contractual Commitment**: Messi's recent contract extension with Inter Miami until 2028 suggests he is planning for the future and is not considering retirement imminently [https://www.tbsnews.net/sports/lionel-messi-aims-world-cup-2026-despite-age-fitness-considerations-1271101]. 4. **Legacy and Leadership**: As a veteran player, Messi's leadership and experience are invaluable to the Argentine national team, especially as they aim to defend their title [https://www.themirror.com/sport/soccer/lionel-messi-2026-world-cup-1471995]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Age and Experience**: Messi is currently 38 years old, which raises questions about his fitness and ability to compete at the highest level [https://www.cricketnmore.com/sports-news/its-something-extraordinary-but-id-like-to-be-there-messi-hopeful-for-2026-wc-despite-age-concerns-29393]. - **Contract Details**: His contract with Inter Miami extends until 2028, indicating a long-term commitment to professional football [https://www.tbsnews.net/sports/lionel-messi-aims-world-cup-2026-despite-age-fitness-considerations-1271101]. - **Historical Performance**: Messi has made 195 appearances for Argentina, scoring 114 goals, showcasing his significant contribution to the national team [https://www.sportstiger.com/football/lionel-messi-to-play-2026-fifa-world-cup-legend-drops-big-hint]. ### Conclusion: Messi's Future in Football and the 2026 World Cup In summary, **Lionel Messi is hopeful about participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup**, but his decision will hinge on his physical condition as he approaches the tournament. His recent contract extension with Inter Miami reflects his ongoing commitment to football, while his experience and leadership will be crucial for Argentina as they aim to defend their title. 1. Messi desires to play in the 2026 World Cup. 2. His participation will depend on his health and fitness. 3. He has extended his contract with Inter Miami until 2028. 4. His experience is vital for the Argentine national team. Messi's journey continues to captivate fans worldwide, and his potential participation in the World Cup remains a topic of great anticipation [https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/soccer/lionel-messi-playing-2026-world-cup/692526].