Lionel Messi Hopes To Hold A World Cup Title If 100 Percent Fit

JAKARTA - Inter Miami CF captain Lionel Messi hopes to defend his World Cup title in the 2026 edition of the tournament even though he has yet to make a final decision whether he will play or not.

For now, the Argentine superstar said he is going through day after day and plans to play only if he is 100 percent fit and can contribute critically to the Tango Team.

"Well, to be honest, yes, it was great to be in the World Cup. I wanted to be there. Feeling healthy and being an important part of helping my national team, if I was there."

"I will evaluate it every day when I start pre-season next year with Inter (Miami) and see if I can really be 100 percent."

"I'm really excited because it's the World Cup. We just won the last World Cup. Being able to keep it on the pitch again is really spectacular because playing for the national team has always been a dream, especially in official tournaments."

"So, may God allow me to do it again," Messi said in an interview with NBC News broadcast Monday, October 27, 2025, local time.

Messi has said from the start that he will wait to make a final decision on the World Cup. Everything will depend on his physical condition.

"We'll see. I'm trying to feel good and most importantly, be honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I don't, to be honest, I don't enjoy it."

"So, I'd rather not be there if I don't feel good. We'll see. I haven't made a decision about the World Cup yet."

"I will finish this season, then I will undergo pre-season, and there will be six months left. So, we'll see how I feel."

"Hopefully, I will have a good pre-season in 2026 and finish this MLS season well, only then will I decide," Messi said after a win over Venezuela in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, September 2025.

The Inter Miami captain has been an integral part of the team's success throughout the 2025 season, appearing in MLS, League Cup (Leagues Cup), Concaf Champions Cup, and Club World Cup.

He recently won the MLS 2025 Golden Boot after scoring 29 goals in 28 regular-season games, winning the award for the first time since joining Inter Miami in 2023.

He is also the finalist for the 2025 MLS MVP trophy at his contribution to Inter Miami. If he wins the MVP award, Messi will be the first player to win the trophy in two consecutive seasons.

Messi has just extended his contract with Inter Miami, signing a new three-year contract until the end of the 2028 MLS season.

"I've always said that I will base my decisions (on playing) on my daily feelings, how I feel physically and mentally to continue to play and continue to be a part of this club."

"To be honest, I feel very good all year. I am happy living in Miami, as well as my family. To be honest, this decision is easy," said Messi again.

Inter Miami is currently preparing to face Nashville SC on Sunday, November 2, 2025, Indonesian Western Time (WIB) morning, in the second match of the playoffs with the best-of-three system.

The Herons took the lead with a score of 3-1 after winning against Nashville at Chase Stadium with two goals from Messi and one goal from Tadeo Allende.