Messi might deliver the worst news to the Argentina national team

Even though he is still performing outstandingly for Inter Miami, Lionel Messi's participation in the 2026 World Cup with Argentina remains undecided.

The future of Lionel Messi at the 2026 World Cup is still uncertain. According to Olé (Argentina), there is currently no guarantee that the 38-year-old superstar will take part in the world’s biggest football event. Messi continues to adopt a “one day at a time” approach, focusing fully on the immediate goal of the South American World Cup qualifying match against Venezuela scheduled for September 5.

The worst-case scenario for Argentina’s national team is that Messi does not participate in the 2026 World Cup and simultaneously announces his retirement from international football.

However, those close to Messi have stated that the decision will not be made prematurely but will come when he truly feels ready. This keeps fans in Argentina and worldwide anxious, as the 2026 World Cup could be the final major tournament in El Pulga’s career.

Nonetheless, signals from both the national team and the football community remain quite optimistic. Coach Lionel Scaloni believes his prized player will continue to represent Argentina in the USA, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also expressed confidence that Messi will participate.

While the World Cup participation remains uncertain, Messi is still demonstrating brilliant form at club level. On August 28, he scored twice, playing a key role in leading Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup final with a 3-1 victory over Orlando City.

Notably, Messi has scored 19 goals in MLS, 1 goal in the FIFA Club World Cup, and added 2 goals in the Leagues Cup semifinals, bringing his total tally to 22 goals and 10 assists after 26 appearances this season. These figures once again confirm his exceptional influence on Inter Miami and the entire American soccer scene.

With his current form, the belief that Messi will continue to wear the Argentina jersey at the 2026 World Cup grows stronger. However, the final decision will entirely depend on the personal choice of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

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