Lionel Messi has left fans wondering if he will play in the 2026 World Cup. The Inter Miami star will miss Argentina’s qualifier against Ecuador to focus on his MLS season.
Messi’s absence comes as Argentina have already secured top spot in CONMEBOL qualifying, maintaining a comfortable lead over Brazil.
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
- Messi will miss Ecuador to prioritize Inter Miami action.
- His decision about the 2026 World Cup is still undecided.
- Argentina have clinched first place in the qualifiers with one game remaining.
THE CONTEXT
Messi’s recent comments about potentially skipping the 2026 World Cup made global headlines. Fans are eager to see the Argentine captain defend the trophy one last time.
BEYOND HEADLINES
The forward has returned to Miami to rejoin Inter Miami under Javier Mascherano’s supervision. Argentina leads the CONMEBOL standings with 38 points, 10 ahead of second-place Brazil, with only one match left to play.
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
WHAT WAS SAID
Coach Lionel Scaloni addressed Messi’s uncertain future:
“I don’t think it’s right to put a percentage on it today because I honestly don’t know. Many things can happen. We already have a core group of players; everyone knows that. From there, when we know how many spots we’ll have, we’ll make decisions. As for Leo, I haven’t talked to him about it. I only know what he said publicly, and he’s going to take his time with this decision.”
Scaloni also reflected on his tenure and team culture:
“I focus only on what’s next, I’ve never been one to think too far ahead. I don’t think it’s right because it distracts from the present. Right now, we’re focused on tomorrow’s match and the upcoming friendlies. What happens beyond that, we’ll see. For now, I feel good here.”
He added:
“From Day 1, we aimed to build a sense of belonging, to play for the shirt without it feeling like an obligation, with the right mindset and respect for teammates. That has been achieved. Winning obviously helps, but even without the trophies, the players and everyone around the team lived up to the values we set out to build.”
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Argentina will play Ecuador in Quito in their final qualifier. Messi’s decision on whether to participate in the 2026 World Cup will follow after he takes time to assess his next steps.
