Will Lionel Messi skip 2026 FIFA World Cup? Argentina icon hints at possible absence

Lionel Messi fans are holding their breath as the legendary Argentina striker dazzles in MLS but keeps the world guessing about the FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.

Lionel Messi, in an interview with ESPN, spilled the beans about the rumors surrounding his possible absence from the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Messi, who will be turning 39 in June 2026, when the tournament kicks off, is the veteran striker who hopes for a dose of practicality.

“I hope I can be there. I’ve said before that I really want to be there. At worst, I’ll be there watching, but it would still be something special.”

Despite remaining uncertain about his participation, Messi expressed full confidence in Argentina’s current lineup.

He said, “We have extraordinary players… This is a team full of winners, with a strong mentality, people who want to win more trophies.”

Messi also acknowledged coach Lionel Scaloni’s leadership: “Scaloni and his assistant built all of this… Argentina must take advantage of this moment.”

The FIFA World Cup 2026 draw took place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and placed Argentina in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.

Here’s a breakdown of Argentina’s campaign for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

• June 16: Argentina vs Algeria
• June 16: Austria vs Jordan
• June 22: Argentina vs Austria
• June 22: Jordan vs Algeria
• June 27: Jordan vs Argentina
• June 27: Algeria vs Austria

For Messi fans, this tournament could be the last opportunity to see Messi play for Argentina.