Lionel Messi has categorically stated that he has no intention of playing for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup.
The forward, who recently made headlines after his decision to join MLS side Inter Miami, helped his side win the World Cup – his first ever – in Qatar last year.
However, despite the hopes that he could star for Argentina to help them retain their crown in 2026, Messi has poured cold water on hopes that he will feature in North America.
Messi details World Cup 2026 plans
According to Efe News Agency, when asked about playing in the next edition, Messi said: “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.”
After winning the World Cup with Argentina, many have tipped Messi as the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or award but the Argentine has played down the importance of an individual award.
According to Titan Sports, he said: “Does the Ballon d’Or matter to me? No, it’s no longer important to me.”
“I’ve always said, the individual prizes are not what matters to me, but the collective ones are the most important. The most important prize at the moment is the World Cup, the greatest prize for me.”
The 2026 World Cup will played in three continents – America, Canada and Mexico – meaning it wouldn’t be far from home for Messi.
The 35-year-old is set to complete a mega move to the MLS after revealing the news he will join Inter Miami.
In a statement with Mundo Deportivo he said: “I’m not going back to Barça, I’m going to Inter Miami.”
“I made the decision that I’m going to go to Miami. I still haven’t closed it one hundred percent. I’m missing some things but we decided to continue on the path.”
“If the Barcelona thing didn’t come out, I wanted to leave Europe, get out of the spotlight and think more in my family,” said Messi.
Messi also took time to praise Pep Guardiola, who recently completed a treble with Manchester City, labelling the Spaniard the ‘best coach in the world’.
“I talk a lot with Guardiola and kept in frequent contact,” Messi added.
“I’m very happy with what he’s achieved, the last Champions League. He’s the best coach in the world although, for me, he didn’t have to win this Champions League to prove it, but [it is] an achievement he deserves.”
