2026 World Cup: Messi Unsure About Playing for Argentina at 2030 Tournament

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has admitted that he is uncertain whether he will represent his country at the 2030 FIFA World Cup, saying his attention remains firmly fixed on the ongoing 2026 edition of the tournament.

The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward made the remarks while responding to questions about his international future amid another impressive World Cup campaign.

Messi has been one of the standout performers of the tournament so far, helping Argentina maintain a strong start in their title defence.

The Argentine superstar has scored five goals in his first two appearances, including a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria and a brace in the 2-0 win against Austria.

His performances have further strengthened his status as one of the leading contenders for the tournament’s Golden Boot award.

Despite continuing to perform at the highest level, Messi declined to make any commitment regarding participation in the next World Cup, which will be held in 2030.

Speaking about the possibility of featuring in the tournament, Messi said he was focused solely on the present and had not given serious thought to what lies ahead.

“I don’t know,” Messi said, according to football journalist Fabrizio Romano.

“The truth is, I am not thinking about that right now.

“It seems a bit far off, but as I said, I am living one day at a time and focused on the present.”

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has enjoyed a remarkable international career with Argentina, winning the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 and leading his country to multiple major titles.

His current form at the 2026 World Cup has once again demonstrated his enduring quality and influence despite approaching his 40th birthday.

With Argentina already making a strong statement in the competition, Messi’s immediate objective remains guiding the South American champions deeper into the tournament as they pursue another World Cup triumph.

For now, speculation about his involvement in the 2030 World Cup appears secondary, with the Argentine captain choosing to concentrate on the challenges of the present rather than the uncertainties of the future.