When the final whistle blew in Qatar, Lionel Messi fell to his knees in a state of catharsis. It took a penalty shootout against France, but he had finally led Argentina to a FIFA World Cup title, one of the few trophies he’d not won through his career.
While Argentina qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and will have a chance to defend their title in North America, they might have to do so without Messi. The Inter Miami forward is unsure whether he’ll join La Albiceleste for the tournament.
After winning in Qatar, Messi said the tournament would be his last World Cup. However, after thriving with Inter Miami and helping Argentina win the 2024 Copa América, many expected him to be on Argentina’s squad for 2026.
By the time the group stage kicks off for the competition held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Messi will be 39 years old and likely on a short-term contract extension with Miami in MLS. Currently, his MLS deal is set to expire at the end of 2025.






