Will Lionel Messi play in the 2026 World Cup? His close friend and Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez thinks so. In a recent interview with Spanish newspaper El País, Suarez dropped some pretty big hints about the Argentine legend's future plans.
"He has those desires to play the World Cup next year too," Suarez revealed. The Uruguayan striker knows Messi better than most, having played alongside him at Barcelona and now at Inter Miami.
Suarez admitted he doesn't directly ask Messi about his international future. "I already know him and how he thinks. Time will tell," he explained. Their connection runs so deep that Suarez doesn't even need to discuss it with the Argentine star.
Making Football History
If Messi does play in 2026, he'll make football history. It would be his sixth World Cup appearance, something no player has ever achieved. His rival Cristiano Ronaldo could also reach this milestone if Portugal qualifies and he remains in the squad.
Messi's World Cup journey began back in 2006 in Germany when he was just a teenager. Since then, he's become Argentina's top scorer and led them to World Cup glory in Qatar 2022. That triumph completed his trophy collection and cemented his legacy.
Age might be a concern for some fans and bettors. Messi will be 39 when the 2026 tournament kicks off across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. But his current form suggests he's far from finished.
In the current MLS season, Messi continues to dominate games for Inter Miami. He recently scored twice in a comeback win against Los Angeles FC, showing he still has that match-winning quality that makes Argentina among the favorites for any tournament he enters.
What This Means for Argentina's 2026 Chances
Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni is keeping his cards close to his chest. "We will see what happens, there's plenty of time. He will decide it whenever he wants," Scaloni told ESPN recently.
For betting enthusiasts, this news significantly impacts Argentina's odds for the 2026 tournament. With Messi in the squad, Argentina would likely remain among the top contenders to defend their title. Without him, their chances would take a substantial hit.
Messi did miss Argentina's recent World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to injury concerns. However, he was present for their fixtures during October and November, suggesting he remains committed to the national team.
The prospect of Messi defending Argentina's title in 2026 adds another fascinating chapter to football's greatest story. For now, fans and bettors alike will be watching his form and fitness with great interest as the tournament approaches.
