Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi has expressed strong belief that Lionel Messi will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Otamendi, who currently plays for Benfica, described Messi as the greatest player in soccer history and said he expects the Inter Miami star to be present in the tournament next year.
During an interview with Radio La Red, Otamendi explained that Messi is approaching the upcoming World Cup cautiously, taking his fitness and form one month at a time. He stated:
“Obviously, as the World Cup gets closer, he will make his decision. But I don’t see Leo [Messi] missing out on the World Cup. Leo is Leo, the best player in soccer history. Right now, he’s living in the moment. He’s enjoying the Club World Cup. Leo’s focus is on continuing to compete, taking it month by month and seeing how he feels. He will make his decision based on how he feels physically, but you will never take away Leo’s desire to compete, to be there, to help the team. It’s in his DNA. Leo is different.”
—Nicolas Otamendi, Argentina defender
Messi Reflects on Future Plans as He Approaches World Cup Eligibility
Having recently turned 38, Lionel Messi has publicly considered the possibility of playing in the 2026 World Cup. However, he has indicated that his final decision will depend on his performance and physical condition during the 2025 Major League Soccer season with Inter Miami, suggesting a cautious but hopeful approach to extending his international career.
Luis Suarez Shares Insights on Messi’s Desire to Compete in 2026
Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez also commented on Messi’s ambitions related to the upcoming World Cup, emphasizing that Messi remains eager to participate despite time away from the national team. In an interview with El Pais, Suarez revealed:
“We do talk [about it]. Jokingly, many times, but he [Messi] also has that desire to play in next year’s World Cup. Obviously, after being away from the national team for a while, that desire is fading more on my side than on his, but we haven’t talked about it [retirement] yet.”
—Luis Suarez, Uruguay forward
Argentina’s Early Qualification and World Cup Hosting Details
Argentina has secured early qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first South American nation to clinch a spot in the tournament. The event will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking a unique collaboration for the quadrennial competition. This setting will provide a major stage for Messi to potentially add to his legacy.
What Messi’s Participation Means for Argentina and Fans Worldwide
The presence of Lionel Messi at the 2026 World Cup would be significant not only for Argentina but for global soccer fans who regard him as one of the game’s all-time greats. His decision will be closely watched as an indication of his continuing drive and ability to compete at the highest levels despite advancing age. Both Otamendi and Suarez’s public support reinforces the hopeful expectation that Messi will indeed take the field next year, bringing excitement and anticipation to the tournament.