Lionel Messi is undecided about playing in the 2026 World Cup.
Messi, the 38-year-old Argentine World Cup champion, acknowledged his health would be at the forefront of his decision to play in the next tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.
“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,” Messi said after scoring twice for Argentina against Venezuela in his final World Cup qualifier in his home country on Sept. 4.
“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,” Messi added.
“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.
