The conversation surrounding Lionel Messi’s international future has reignited once again, but no one has a definitive answer — not even him. As Argentina looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup, the Albiceleste captain continues to leave the door open, maintaining a mystery that grows with every interview. This time, he dropped a phrase that hit especially hard: “I don’t want to be a burden.”

For a player who shaped generations and lifted his country to the summit in Qatar 2022, the idea sounds almost unthinkable. Yet Messi, now 38 and entering the final stretch of his career, knows the physical demands of the highest level are unforgiving — even more so while playing outside Europe. His current rhythm in MLS, with a calendar that doesn’t match the intensity of the major leagues, forces him to be brutally honest with himself.

Why Is Messi Leaving His World Cup Future Uncertain?

In an interview with SPORT, Messi admitted that the next World Cup holds a special meaning. It will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — territories he knows well and that have fueled North America’s football boom.
Still, when the inevitable question returns — will he be there or not? — his answer remains cautious:

“I want to feel good physically. I want to be sure I can help. I don’t want to be a burden.”

Messi explained that the MLS calendar complicates his preparation. The league begins in spring, which means he will arrive in the summer with fewer competitive matches under his belt than players from Europe. “We’ll have a preseason in the middle, very few games before the World Cup. I have to see how I feel day by day,” he added.

A Brilliant Present, an Uncertain Future

Messi is finishing the season with Inter Miami after another decisive year — goals, assists, and leadership that pushed the team into the MLS Cup Playoffs. He’s also renewed his contract with the Herons until 2028, proof that he still has plenty left at the club level.

But the international stage is another story. With 195 caps and 114 goals for Argentina, Messi’s legacy is already among the most extraordinary in national team history. That’s why every word about his future sends shockwaves around the world.

Will Messi Play the 2026 World Cup?

For now, his answer remains the same:

“I’m excited, but I’m taking it day by day.”

The football world waits. So does Argentina. The world champion still has time — but no decision yet. The debate is only just beginning.