Will Lionel Messi play in 2026 World Cup? Alexis Mac Allister speculates on whether Argentina icon will grace another tournament

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner inspired his country to global glory at Qatar 2022. He has since helped them to successfully defend a Copa America crown – although he did pick up an ankle injury in the final of that competition that continues to keep him out of action at MLS side Inter Miami.

Messi had originally suggested that he would not grace another FIFA showpiece, but the 37-year-old superstar has since backtracked slightly on that stance. No definitive call has been made as yet, but those inside the Albiceleste camp believe that a talismanic presence could join them in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister has told ESPN when asked if he expects Messi to make another major tournament: “If you ask my feelings, yes. I think he will be there. At least, listening to him in interviews or seeing how he trains every time we join the national team, or how he plays, I have no doubt that he could easily be there. But, well, it’s a very personal decision. It will likely be announced closer [to the World Cup] when he sees how he feels. And I hope he can be there. I’ve always said that, for me, Leo, being the best in the world, has the ability to make a difference, even as he gets older.”

Argentina have shown in the past that they can win without Messi, and will need to do so again when facing Chile and Colombia in upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Mac Allister added on that challenge: “We always focus a lot on the group and the team. We know that when Leo is not there, we have to become even stronger because we don't have that player who, when things go wrong, can save us. We know that when Leo is there, they (rivals) are a little more afraid, it is normal. We also have players who play in big clubs in Europe and when they see the Argentine national team, they know that it is not going to be an easy match and that's what we want. We want to do our best so that the rival has a difficult day.”

Messi has taken in 187 appearances for Argentina, registering a record-breaking tally of 109 goals. He is only under contract in Miami through to the end of the 2025 MLS season, but that deal includes the option for a 12-month extension that would include the next World Cup finals.