Messi Contemplates a curtains-call: could retirement come before the 2026 World Cup?
4 December 2025
Messi weighs international retirement ahead of the 2026 World Cup
Lionel Messi, captain of Argentina, opened the door to the possibility of ending his international career and missing the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for June next year.
In comments to ESPN on Thursday, the Argentine star said there remains a chance he might not play in the World Cup, while underscoring his strong desire to be part of the next tournament.
Asked if there is a chance he could skip the Mundial, Messi reiterated his wish to participate but stopped short of a firm confirmation.
'I hope to be there. I have told before that I love to be present,' he said.
'At worst, I will be there to watch the tournament from the stands, but it will be a special experience.'
The Inter Miami forward had previously stated he would continue playing as long as his body allows.
'The World Cup is an extraordinary event for everyone, for any country, but it feels even more special for us, because we live it in a completely different way.'
Messi’s last major conquest came in 2022 when he led Argentina to the World Cup title in Qatar.
He will turn 39 in the summer of next year, when the tournament takes place.
Argentina are expected to be top seeds in the World Cup draw set for tomorrow, Friday, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Caption: Messi hints at retirement ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Punchline 1: If Messi retires, the ball might finally stop bending toward his feet—gravity finally decides to take a day off.
Punchline 2: He’ll retire from the field, not from drama—the couch will still need a hype man when World Cup fever hits the living room.
