Argentina captain Lionel Messi announced Tuesday he has no plans to play in the 2026 World Cup. Messi, 35, led Argentina to glory last year in Qatar in what was his fifth World Cup appearance. — Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) Although Messi repeatedly said throughout the tournament that it was going to be his last, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, his teammates and fans remained hopeful the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner could feature at the 2026 World Cup that will be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
In a report by Efe News Agency, Messi told Chinese sports outlet Titan Sports when asked about the 2026 World Cup: «I think not. [Qatar] was my last World Cup.
I'll see how things go, but as it is right now, no, I won't go to the next World Cup.» Messi is on international duty with Argentina in China for their upcoming friendlies against Australia on Thursday and Indonesia four days later.
The former Barcelona superstar announced last week his decision to join Major League Soccer side Inter Miami CF once his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires on June 30.