Will Lionel Messi go to 2026 World Cup? 'At worst, I'll be watching' - ESPN

Argentina star Lionel Messi has told ESPN that there is still a chance that he may not play at the 2026 World Cup, although he said he still has a desire to do so.

Messi spoke in a wide-ranging interview that saw him praise his former boss Pep Guardiola, discuss Argentina's chances at the World Cup and Inter Miami's upcoming MLS Cup final.

However, when asked if there is a chance he will not be at the World Cup, he reiterated his desire to be there but stopped short of confirming he would play.

He has previously stated that he will play as long as his ageing body holds up.

«I hope I can be there. I've said before that I'd love to be there,» Messi said, adding: «At worst, I'll be there watching it live, but it will be special.

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»The World Cup is special for everyone, for any country — especially for us, because we live it in a completely different way."

Messi won the last major honour that eluded him in 2022 when he guided Argentina to lift the last men's World Cup in Qatar.

He will turn 39 during next summer's tournament.

Argentina will be in Pot 1 for Friday's World Cup draw, which is set to take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.