Messi prioritises happiness over 2026 World Cup ambitions

Lionel Messi has emphasised that staying happy and healthy is now more important to him than fixating on playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

While the Argentine star, aged 37, has left the door open to participating in the next World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, he remains focused on living in the moment rather than setting long-term goals.

Messi had previously hinted that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he led Argentina to a historic title, might be his final tournament on the global stage. However, following his hat-trick performance in Argentina's recent World Cup qualifying victory over Bolivia, he acknowledged the possibility that his international career could be nearing its conclusion.

"I know these could be my last games," Messi said on Thursday, shortly after receiving the America Legend award from Spanish publication Marca. "In the moment, we will see. I don't like to rush time or look too far ahead. I try to enjoy each day, and I hope to keep playing at this level to feel good and be happy."

"When I get to do what I love, I am happy," he added. "I value that more than setting a goal to reach the 2026 tournament. I haven't made it a target to reach the next World Cup, but rather to live day by day and ensure I am well."

Messi's illustrious career began in 2004 when he made his professional debut for Barcelona against Espanyol in a La Liga fixture on 16 october. Over the next 20 years, he went on to make 898 club appearances, representing Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and now Inter Miami CF after leaving the Spanish club in 2021. Internationally, Messi rose through the Argentine youth system before making his senior debut in 2005, amassing 112 goals in 189 caps for his country.

Throughout his time with Argentina, Messi has been central to La Albiceleste's success, leading them to two Copa América titles, a Finalissima win, and of course, the 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph.

Despite securing 48 major trophies in his career, Messi remains motivated to continue achieving success with Inter Miami, the club he joined earlier this year. Speaking about his move to the United States, he clarified: "The step I took to come here [to Inter Miami] didn't mean retiring. We came here to try and keep making this team bigger, to help its growth by winning titles, which we've already done, and we're close to winning more."

Messi's impact on Inter Miami has been transformative. In 2024, he led the team to an impressive 21-4-8 (W-L-D) record, securing the Major League Soccer Supporters' Shield and positioning the club to break the MLS record for most points in a single season with a win against the New England Revolution on Saturday. Additionally, Miami clinched home-field advantage throughout the entirety of the MLS playoffs by winning the Supporters' Shield, further solidifying Messi's influence in the league.