Lionel Messi has made no secret of his desire to lead Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, but he has also set a seemingly complex condition for his sixth appearance with the Silver Lions at the tournament.
From late November until March, just three months before the World Cup kicks off, Messi will be on an extended break until the MLS season resumes. This means he will first and foremost be waiting to assess his physical condition before deciding whether or not to participate with Argentina.
“I want to be in good physical shape and confident that I can help the team and contribute,” Messi told Sport.
“I don’t want to be a burden. I don’t want to go to the World Cup just to participate without aiming to win the title again.”
He added, “It’s a special tournament, and the best part is playing with the national team in important competitions. After winning it in the last edition, I’m excited, but I’m taking it in stride.”
He concluded, “I want to see day by day if I really feel good enough to get to where I want to be, and to be able to participate.”
