Lionel Messi will WAIT to make decision on playing at 2026 World Cup - The Mirror

Lionel Messi is holding off on making any decision on whether he will play at the World Cup next summer as the Argentina skipper considers his fitness and durability

Lionel Messi is determined to play at next summer's World Cup but the Argentina star insists he will listen to his body before making a decision on whether he'll be part of his country's defence.

Messi realised a career dream three years ago when the South Americans claimed World Cup glory in Qatar - ending a 36-year wait for land the trophy. It was the 38-year-old's first success at the tournament but he's not yet committed to the 2026 renewal.

North America will host the World Cup but with the Barcelona icon edging towards 40 he is aware that time is not on his side. Argentine have been imperious since their global success, winning another Copa America to continue their era of dominance.

Messi will turn 39 midway through the next World Cup and won't make any decision until early next year when he'll reassess the situation, but is determined to be part of the Argentine efforts.

He told NBC News: "It's something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup and I would love to. I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there.

"And I'm going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group, to the national team, and then make a decision."

He also added: "I'm really eager because it's a World Cup. We're coming off winning the last World Cup and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it's always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions."

Messi's first World Cup came back in 2006 and any appearance next summer would see him play in a sixth tournament. He is also shy three goals shy of equaling the all-time record of 16 held by Miroslav Klose.

Before Messi decides on playing in the World Cup he will have to make a call on his Inter Miami future with his contract winding down. The club are involved in talks over an extension with the Argentine loving life in Florida.

"The truth is that I like everything about living here," he said of Miami. "I spent a lot of time in Barcelona, which for me is an extraordinary city, where I grew up and had many spectacular moments, and which we miss a lot.

"But Miami is a city that allows us to live very well, that makes us enjoy life, that allows us to be calm, that allows the kids to be themselves and live day to day."

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