Messi Confirmed For 2026 World Cup? Inter Miami Coach Hints At Argentina Star's Decision

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has suggested that Lionel Messi will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, despite the football star not yet making an official announcement about his future plans during a recent press conference in Miami, Florida, as speculation continues about the 35-year-old's international career extension following Argentina's World Cup victory in 2022. The revelation came when Mascherano, Messi's former teammate and now coach at the MLS club, was questioned about the possibility of Messi continuing his career beyond the 2026 tournament. While stopping short of making a definitive statement, Mascherano's comments strongly indicated that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is planning to extend his international career to potentially participate in his sixth World Cup. 'Leo is different, his commitment is absolute,' Mascherano stated, fueling widespread speculation that the football icon will continue representing Argentina at the highest level. Messi's potential participation in the 2026 World Cup would be remarkable given his age, as he would be 38 by the time the tournament begins, having previously expressed his desire to continue playing as long as his body allows after Argentina's dramatic victory in the 2022 World Cup final against France.