Lionel Messi Is Doubtful About Being Able To Appear At The 2026 World Cup

JAKARTA - Argentina captain Lionel Messi is doubtful about appearing in the 2026 World Cup. Messi's 38 age makes it difficult for him to maintain his playing performance at the highest level next year.

Messi still has a central role in the Argentine national team. In the home game against Venezuela in the Conmebol 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Messi scored a brace that gave Argentina a 3-0 win.

The victory no longer affects Argentina's position at the top of the Conmebol zone standings. In addition, Argentina has made sure to qualify for the finals.

The match against Venezuela is also Messi's last home game. Because Argentina will wait long enough to return to playing at home. The Inter Miami captain's statement seemed to imply he was retiring from the national team soon.

Although he did not immediately state that he would hang up his boots, Messi admitted that he could not fight age. Even the former Barcelona star is doubtful about being able to play in the World Cup next year.

If you want to make the world's most grand football event the last time before really retiring, Messi has no choice but to keep his performance and condition fit.

The problem is, Messi has been regularly injured which resulted in him having to miss a number of Inter Miami matches. The age approaching 40 made him more prone to injury.

National team coach Lionel Scaloni is also worried that Messi will suffer an injury at the end of the MLS competition which will keep him out of the World Cup.

And Scaloni's concerns could come as Messi has often missed playing for Inter Miami due to his recovery period.

Previously, I had said logically if I might not play in the World Cup because I was 39. Now, the World Cup is still nine months away. This could have been close enough but it could still be a long time, "said Messi.

"I really really want to keep playing. And I don't want this to end. But that moment will definitely come. I realized it. In the future, it will happen," he said again.

Scaloni himself will not force Messi to always play in the national team. He will not include the captain in the away match against Ecuador in Guayaquil, Tuesday or Wednesday, September 10, 2025 morning WIB.

Messi's decision not to take Scaloni to Ecuador. He also couldn't keep up with all the La Albiceleste matches.

If you are in good condition, I can enjoy the match. But if conditions are not good, I seem to have a hard time. If the condition is like that, it's better for me not to play. So we'll see," said Messi when asked about his fitness.

Messi's central role must be fit in every match. The problem is, can he maintain his performance until next year so that he can strengthen Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.