Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has provided the only condition that would see him play for Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted in North America.
The 2026 World Cup will be played across cities in Canada, the USA, and Mexico in the summer of 2026, and the Argentine legend is expected to grace the tournament.
However, Messi said he would join the Argentine contingent only if he is fit and in good shape, insisting he does not want to be a burden to the team.
Messi led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup where they beat France in the final.
Messi would become one of the only two players to have played in six World Cups, along with Cristiano Ronaldo.
In an interview with Sport, the 38-year-old was asked about playing at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Argentine superstar said, “Yes, obviously yes, it is a special World Cup, it is special to play with the national team and more important, official competitions and more what a World Cup means and after having won it too.
“But a little bit what I was telling you, I don’t want to be a burden in quotes, I want to feel good physically, be sure that I can help and contribute things to the group, to the squad.
“Our season is different from Europe. We are going to have a preseason involved, a few games until we reach the World Cup date and see on a day-to-day basis if I really feel good physically to be the way I would like to be and be able to participate.”
