Lionel Messi has been the subject of speculation for the past three years regarding his possible involvement in the FIFA World Cup 2026. While he was part of the Argentina national team During the pre-tournament process, he has yet to confirm whether he will play in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
“Obviously I’m excited. The World Cup is the biggest competition there is. So I’m excited, but just taking it day by day,Messi said during a recent interview with Sport. “A World Cup means a lot, especially after you win it.”
However, the InterMiami striker was cautious about his chances of getting the Argentina team, who makes an honest confession. ‘I don’t want to be a burden’ Leo admitted. “I want to feel good physically, to make sure I can help and contribute to the group, to the team.”
This statement, while candid, is consistent with what Messi has been saying in recent months. Like the World Cup approaches, it has become an unavoidable topic in every interview, and his position has not changed. Knowing that he will turn 39 during the tournament, the forward still doubts whether his body can compete at the highest level of intensity.
Lionel Messi of Argentina holds the FIFA World Cup trophy.
“Our season is different from that of Europe” Lionel explained Major League Football. “We’ll have a preseason in between, just a few games before the World Cup, and I will take it day by day to see if I really feel physically ready to be at the level I would like and be able to participate.”
see also
Lionel Messi finally breaks his silence on leaving Barcelona after an emotional and unexpected visit
The next World Cup will be more demanding than previous editions
The World Cup is not only the most prestigious tournament in world sport, but also an elite competition that requires extreme physical and mental effort. The best players from each country enter the tournament knowing they will have to wait four years for another chance to play the tournament. This makes every match much more than just a game.
These conditions will become even more challenging in 2026, due to the format change that will increase the number of teams to 48, instead of the 32 that took part in Qatar 2022. As of now, the road to the title involves eight matches in 39 days, which is a significant physical demand.
Messi’s recent injuries
The new World Cup format will pose a major challenge for Lionel Messi, but also for any other player approaching 40. In the case of the Inter Miami forward, his recent injury history raises questions about how his body will respond under such demanding conditions, making his cautious approach understandable.
see also
International Friendlies 2025 USA TV Schedule
So far in 2025, Messi has suffered three muscle injuries that kept him off the field for a total of 30 daysaccording to Transfer market. The first occurred in March, when an adductor problem kept him from playing in the league World Cup qualifiers in return for Uruguay And Brazil.
In August, Lionel suffered two consecutive muscle problems, which caused him to miss several Inter Miami games. He was first out for eleven days, returned briefly and had to rest a further nine days after just one match to fully recover. A similar situation during the World Cup would likely mean he would miss the rest of the tournament.
#Lionel #Messi #brutally #honest #playing #World #Cup #Argentina #dont #burden