Argentina and Inter Miami CF captain Lionel Messi has expressed his desire to join his country to defend their title after winning the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

However, he said he is yet to make a final decision on whether or not he'll play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be co-hosted by Mexico, USA and Canada.

Speaking during an interview with NBC News that aired Monday, October 27, the 8-time Ballon d'Or winner said,

"Well, the truth is that yes, it's something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup," Messi said in an interview. "And I would like to be there. To feel well and to be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there”.

While he expressed his desire to represent his country at the global level, he stressed his unflinching commitment to Argentina but noted that his final decision will depend largely on how he feels physically and whether he remains fit enough to compete at the highest level.

"I am going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter [Miami] and see if I can really be 100%. I'm really eager because it's the World Cup. We're coming off winning the last World Cup, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it's always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions, so hopefully God will allow me to do it once again."

Messi noted that his fitness is a major concern and determining factor in making a final decision to feature in the Argentina squad because he is not at his best when he is not fit during games.

"we'll see. I'm trying to feel good and, above all, be honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I don't, honestly, I don't have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don't feel good," Messi said after a World Cup qualifying win over Venezuela in September.

The Inter Miami captain has formed an integral part of the team's success throughout the 2025 campaign, featuring in MLS, Leagues Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup and Club World Cup action. He recently clinched the 2025 MLS Golden Boot after recording 29 goals in 28 regular-season games, earning the accolade for the first time since he joined Miami in 2023.

He's also a finalist for the 2025 MLS MVP trophy for his contributions to Inter Miami. Should he win the MVP award, Messi would become the first player to win the trophy in two consecutive seasons.

Messi just extended his contract with Inter Miami, signing a new three-year deal through the end of the 2028 MLS season.

"I've always said that I'll base my decision [about playing] on how I feel day to day and how I feel physically and mentally to continue playing and to continue being part of this club," Messi told NBC on Monday. "Honestly, I felt really good during the year. I'm happy living in Miami, as is my family, and honestly, the decision was easy."

Inter Miami currently prepares to face Nashville SC on Saturday in the second game of the best-of-three round one series of the playoffs. The Herons lead the series 1-0 after triumphing against Nashville at Chase Stadium with two goals from Messi and one from Tadeo Allende.

Meanwhile, FIFA on Thursday, October 2, officially unveiled the match ball for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup during a global launch event at Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City. The presentation, hosted jointly by FIFA and Adidas, showcased the ball’s design, technology, and symbolic meaning.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino, during the unveiling of the ball, said, “The Official Match Ball for the FIFA World Cup 26 is here, and it’s a beauty! “I am delighted and proud to present the Trionda.”

Trionda, originating from Spanish, is interpreted as “tri” (three) and “onda” (wave), which signifies the three host countries of the global tournament. Trionda stuns with an aesthetic design which has representations from all three host countries, Canada, Mexico, and the USA, with features including Red panels with maple leaves for Canada, green panels with eagle motifs for Mexico and blue panels with stars for the USA. It also has a central triangle formed by the panel seams, symbolising unity.Less visible are technological advancements that include deep seams designed to produce “optimal in-flight stability” and embossed icons that improve grip in wet or humid conditions.

A motion sensor chip will relay information on the ball’s movement, sending data to the video assistant referee (VAR) system. Trionda also has micro-embossed icons for enhanced grip in varied climates. It has been tested across all 16 host cities for altitude, humidity, and temperature

Adidas earned praise from Infantino for its iconic creation. He said, “Adidas has created another iconic FIFA World Cup ball, with a design that embodies the unity and passion of next year’s host nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.”

Infantinno added, “I can’t wait to see this beautiful ball hitting the back of the net. The countdown to the greatest FIFA World Cup ever is on, and the ball is rolling!”

About 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 countries, making it the largest World Cup in history. This comes after the football governing body allowed more countries from Africa, Asia, and CONCACAF to qualify, increasing global representation. Previously, the tournament was open to just 32 teams; however, sixteen (16) more teams have been included.The tournament will feature a total of one hundred and four (104) games across 16 cities, with 12 groups of 4 teams each in the group stage. The knockout stage will begin with a new Round of 32.

The unveiling marks another step in the countdown to the North American World Cup, which will be held June 11-July 19 next year.

Meanwhile, FIFA has launched its online phased ticket sales procedures, with more than 4.5 million fans from 216 countries and territories entering the presale draw.

The tournament draw will be held in Washington on December 5.