Lionel Messi's stance on 2026 FIFA World Cup with Argentina hinted at by Inter Miami owner

Lionel Messi is currently part of an elite group of players who have appeared in five World Cups, alongside global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Gianluigi Buffon. No player has ever reached a sixth, something the Argentina forward could achieve at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That’s exactly what Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas addressed.

“I think Lionel has many factors to consider,” Mas said in an interview with Futbol de Primera Radio. “One I believe is his desire, provided he’s healthy, because he is healthy, to play and defend the World Cup in the United States of America with his team, with Argentina.”

The Inter Miami president then expressed optimism about Messi’s chances of competing in the tournament, pointing to the forward’s relentless competitive spirit. “Lionel is, of all the footballers I’ve ever seen, competitively, a beast. It’s about winning,” he said. “And how beautiful it is to see the greatest player of all time not lose that passion.”

The next World Cup will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada between June and July 2026. While there’s still more than a year to go, Lionel continues to play at an elite level and remains a key figure for Argentina.

Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas and Lionel Messi.

However, he’ll turn 39 during the tournament—an unusually advanced age for a top-tier player. That’s why he’s been cautious so far about committing to his participation. Still, if things continue on their current path, it’s hard to imagine a World Cup without Messi wearing Argentina’s iconic No. 10 shirt.

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Will Messi stay at Inter Miami?

In the same interview, Jorge Mas addressed Lionel Messi’s future in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami beyond the current season. “We have Lionel signed this year. That’s a decision that belongs to Lionel Messi. On my behalf, on the club’s behalf, we are talking with Lionel about the future,” the club owner explained.

“I believe all the stars are aligning for great things, for a very beautiful future—for the club, for Lionel,” Mas said optimistically. He even offered a timeline for when a decision might be made. “It’s entirely his decision. I anticipate that in the next 60 to 90 days we’ll need to define that, because obviously club planning is very important, with the upcoming transfer windows.”

Inter Miami’s dream with Messi

As for the possibility of Lionel Messi remaining with the Herons beyond the expiration of his current contract in December, Jorge Mas revealed his personal hope. “I’ve said before that my anticipation is we’ll see the captain and No. 10 of the team being Lionel Messi in the new stadium.”

Inter Miami are currently building Miami Freedom Park, expected to open in early 2026. For Messi to be part of that moment, he’ll need to sign an extension with the club. “I know Leo wants to win everything in MLS,” said Mas, making it clear that such motivation could play a key role in the forward’s decision-making.