Lionel Messi has offered fresh insight into his international plans amid speculation that he may postpone retirement in order to lead Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.

The 37-year-old football icon guided Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, finally securing the one trophy that had long eluded him and cementing his place among the greatest players in the history of the sport.

Following La Albiceleste’s third World Cup triumph, many expected Messi to announce his retirement from international football. However, the forward has continued to play a pivotal role for his country, even helping Argentina lift the Copa América last year.

With the next World Cup — set to take place across the United States, Mexico and Canada — now just over a year away, there has been growing hope among supporters that Messi will once again captain the national side as they bid to defend their title.

When asked about the possibility of featuring at the 2026 tournament during a recent appearance on the Simplemente Fútbol podcast, the Inter Miami star made it clear that he is in no hurry to reach a decision.

“This year will be key in determining what I decide regarding the 2026 World Cup,” Messi explained.

“Being able to play consistently, feeling good — last year I started pre-season but struggled with a few injuries. This year I’ve had a proper pre-season, I started well and I feel good. But it’s a long season, as it runs until December and there’s the Club World Cup as well.

“I’m thinking about it and keeping an open mind, but I don’t want to set any fixed goals. I prefer to take each day as it comes and judge how I feel physically, while being honest with myself.”

Since his surprise move to Major League Soccer in 2023, joining David Beckham’s Inter Miami, Messi has been reunited in Florida with his former Barcelona team-mate and close friend, Luis Suárez.

Suárez, who stepped away from international football late last year, has hinted that Messi harbours every intention of representing Argentina at the World Cup in 2026.

Speaking to Ovación, Suárez revealed: “Retirement? Leo Messi has the desire to play at the 2026 World Cup with Argentina.

“We’ve spoken about retirement in a light-hearted, joking way, but the truth is that he’s really motivated for next year’s World Cup. It’s difficult to talk about retirement or set an exact end point. A footballer needs to prepare for that moment, and I don’t believe he’s ready to stop just yet.”