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Soccer Legend Reveals Lionel Messi's Decision on Playing In 2026 FIFA World Cup

Soccer Legend Reveals Lionel Messi’s Decision on Playing In 2026 FIFA World Cup originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami drew 0-0 against Al Ahly in the FIFA Club World Cup opening game last night. The Argentine star was close on a few occasions to scoring the tournament’s first goal.

Nearly 38, Messi’s time in soccer is nearly over, and despite playing multiple games in the span of a few weeks, many wonder if the star could potentially plan on retiring soon.

As much as many are confident that Messi will want to play in the upcoming FIFA World Cup with the Argentina national team, no one can guarantee that he will be fully fit enough to play in it, nor that he will decide to hang up the boots before next summer.

With his future at Inter Miami still not confirmed for next year, the question still looms about the player’s future ahead of next summer.

After the game between Inter Miami and Al Ahly last night, soccer legend ChristianVieri spoke wth DAZN about a conversation he had with Messi before the match.

The Italian legend mentioned that he came to Miami to watch Messi play and told the Argentine star that he wished to see him next year wearing the Argentina jersey during the FIFA World Cup.

Messi’s response gives the idea that his future is already defined in his eyes.

Lionel Messi on the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Vieri spoke with Messi about the World Cup next year and revealed the conversation he had with the Inter Miami star just before the match against Al Ahly. 

The response Messi gave the Italian excited him and the soccer fans around the world. 

Christian Vieri: “Before the match started, I told Messi that next year I’ll come to watch you at the World Cup with Argentina. He said to me, ‘Alright, come, I want to see you at the matches.’ I told him: I’ll come with my whole family, I want to come for a month and follow you.”

After revealing the conversation he had with Messi, Veiri insisted on believing that the Inter Miami star will be playing in the World Cup next year, despite soon turning 38 and then turning 39 next year. 

Christian Vieri: “Of course, he will play in the World Cup, he is still the best in the world, and the Argentine national team knows how to play alongside him. It’s completely different when he plays with Argentina; he’s on another level.”

What’s Next for Messi and Inter Miami?

After Inter Miami’s 0-0 draw against Al Ahly, Messi and co. will play FC Porto next on Thursday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Inter Miami will return to the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on June 23 when they take on Palmeiras as their last group stage match of Group A.

With one point secured after their first match played, Messi and the MLS side will look to get three points to get closer to the knockout stages. FC Porto and Palmeiras play today at the MetLife Stadium.

Related: FIFA Club World Cup Set to Implement Three Unique ‘Americanized’ Rules

Related: Lionel Messi’s Perfect Tournament Record at Risk Ahead of FIFA Club World Cup

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 15, 2025, where it first appeared.

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