"Examining Lionel Messi's impact on Barcelona's performance, whether his presence is crucial or replaceable"
Will the ageless wonder, Lionel Messi, defend his World Cup title in 2026?
Gearing up for his 38th birthday, one question looms large: will the legendary Lionel Messi don the Argentinian jersey once more as the defending champion at the 2026 World Cup in North America? The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, turning 39 during the tournament, remains ambiguous about his participation.
During an interview with "Simplemente Fútbol", Messi hinted at his uncertainty, stating, "I'm thinking about it, waiting, but I don't want to set that goal for myself. I'll take it day by day, see how I feel physically, and be honest with myself."
Last season, the maestro orchestrated Inter Miami's ascent to the top of the Eastern Conference in the MLS, scoring 20 goals and providing 10 assists. However, the team's early playoff elimination left a bitter taste. This season, Messi has kicked off with a bang, notching five goal involvements in the first five games.
With Messi's contract with Inter Miami expiring in December 2025, negotiations for an extension are afoot. Before that, Messi will compete in the newly created Club World Cup, squaring off against Al Ahly (Egypt), FC Porto (Portugal), and Palmeiras (Brazil).
Argentine teammate Nicolás Otamendi is convinced Messi will grace the 2026 World Cup field, attributing Messi's enduring passion and competitive drive to his decision. Messi himself calls for patience, acknowledging that while the tournament may seem far off, time flies. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining physical fitness and staying true to oneself to continue playing.
His continued involvement in international matches for the Argentinian national team also hints at his commitment to the 2026 World Cup campaign.
Given the uncertainty shown by Lionel Messi regarding his participation in the 2026 World Cup, sports analysts are keen to dissect his future decisions, as football spectators await his decision, which could significantly impact the sports-analysis discussions surrounding the tournament.
While Messi's exceptional performance in sports, particularly football, remains unquestionable, the question of his appearance at the North American World Cup in 2026 lingers, adding an intriguing dimension to the sport's analysis leading up to the event.
