Lionel Messi Prioritizes Happiness, Leaves 2026 World Cup Open

Lionel Messi, the iconic Argentine footballer, has expressed his focus on maintaining happiness and health as he approaches the twilight of his career. At 37, Messi remains non-committal about his participation in the 2026 World Cup, despite having previously suggested that the recent FIFA World Cup in Qatar might be his last. In Qatar, he led Argentina to a triumphant title, solidifying his legendary status in the sport.

“In the moment, we will see,” Messi remarked on Thursday after receiving the America Legend Award from Spanish publication Marca. “I don’t like to accelerate time or look ahead. I try to enjoy every day,” he added, emphasizing the importance of daily contentment over long-term goals.

Messi began his illustrious career in 2004 with FC Barcelona, making his debut against Espanyol in a La Liga match on October 16. Over two decades, he has played 898 club matches, including stints at Paris Saint-Germain and currently, Inter Miami. Since his first appearance for the Argentine senior national team in 2005, Messi has scored 112 goals in 189 international caps and has been integral to the team’s recent success, including victories at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and two Copa América titles.

His move to Inter Miami has seen continued success. “The step I took to come here didn’t mean retiring,” Messi clarified, outlining his goals of winning more titles and contributing to the team’s growth. Under his leadership, Inter Miami captured the Major League Soccer Supporters’ Shield with an impressive 21-4-8 record, and the team is poised to set a new league record for most points in a single season.

In a special ceremony, Marca’s director Juan Ignacio Gallardo and Inter Miami President Jorge Mas honored Messi by presenting him with a trophy for being the most decorated football player in history, surpassing Dani Alves with 46 career trophies. Despite the accolades, Messi’s focus remains forward-looking. “I didn’t come to the U.S. to retire—I came to help build something special with this club. We’ve been fortunate to win more titles, and we’re still hungry for more,” he stated.

While he hasn’t confirmed his participation in the 2026 World Cup, Messi’s recent comments have fueled speculation. Fans worldwide are hopeful, but his current priorities suggest he will decide when the time comes, all while embracing the joy of playing at such a level.