Football legend Lionel Messi has sent shockwaves through the sports world, hinting that 2026 could mark a pivotal moment in his illustrious career. In an exclusive interview, the Argentine superstar opened up about his future, his past triumphs, and the players he believes are shaping the game today.
Messi’s World Cup Dilemma: To Play or Not to Play?
Messi, now 38, admitted that the 2026 World Cup is constantly on his mind. “This year will be the important one to see what I decide regarding the 2026 World Cup,” he said, fueling speculation about whether he’ll lace up his boots for another shot at glory. “I would lie if I told you I’m not thinking about that.” The football world now waits with bated breath to see if the 2022 World Cup champion will aim to defend his title.
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Reflections on Heartbreak and Triumph
Comparing his own journey to that of French star Kylian Mbappé, Messi recalled the agony of the 2014 World Cup final loss to Germany. “Mbappé has the peace of mind that he won the 2018 World Cup. Even though it’s crazy, what he did in the final, scored four goals and still didn’t become champion,” Messi said. “The same thing happened to me in 2014, it was torture for me. You look back and think, ‘I could’ve won two.’” Yet, Messi remains proud of his achievements, stating, “Being able to say that I’ve achieved everything in football is something truly valuable.”
Penalty Pressure and Champions League Regrets
Known for his ice-cool demeanor, Messi revealed his approach to high-stakes penalty shootouts, including his decisive kick against France’s Hugo Lloris in the 2022 World Cup final. “I always tried to go first in penalty shootouts, to take the full responsibility,” he said. “I wasn’t thinking about where to shoot against Lloris, it was about waiting until the last moment. I waited for him, he moved, but I was very calm.”
However, Messi admitted to some regrets, particularly with Barcelona’s Champions League campaigns. “At the time, I think we let a few more Champions Leagues slip away, we could have won more,” he said. “The ones we won with Pep were really important, and the way we played was incredible.”
Guardiola’s Genius and Barcelona’s Legacy
Messi reserved special praise for his former coach, Pep Guardiola, calling him a transformative figure in football. “Pep Guardiola is from another world. He’s different, he sees things no one else does,” Messi said. “He changed football. Everyone wanted to copy us. In fact, he kind of did harm to football, because people tried to play like our Barcelona. But we were a special team.” Messi also confirmed that his World Cup trophy is safely stored in Barcelona, alongside his other accolades.
The Next Generation: Yamal, Mbappé, and More
Looking to the future, Messi highlighted the young stars his children admire, including Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Erling Haaland. He was particularly effusive about 17-year-old Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, a Euro champion with Spain. “Impressive what Lamine Yamal shows, what he’s doing, and what he’s already done,” Messi said. “He’s still only 17, he’s in a growth process, and he’ll continue to grow as a player and add things to his game, just like I did.”
No Return to Barcelona, But Gratitude Remains
Messi also addressed his thwarted hopes of returning to Barcelona. “I had the intention of returning to Barcelona and being able to go back to a place I always wanted to be, but it wasn’t possible again,” he said. The decision to join Inter Miami was a family one, influenced by his World Cup triumph. “I was clear that I didn’t want to be at another team in Europe,” he added.
Despite the setbacks, Messi’s gratitude shines through. “I always say I’m very grateful to God for everything he has blessed me with,” he said. “God gave me everything.”
Messi on Rivalries and His Competitive Fire
Addressing the perceived rivalry with Mexico, Messi dismissed any animosity. “The truth is I don’t know what happened with Mexico, when did this rivalry start,” he said. “I always felt very loved by Mexico, I never disrespected anyone. The comparison between Argentina and Mexico doesn’t exist.”
As for his competitive spirit, Messi made it clear that retirement won’t dim his fire. “There is no doubt that I will continue to compete. This nature will never leave me, because this is part of me,” he said. “I love winning and competing.”
A Legacy Like No Other
With a World Cup, multiple Champions League titles, and countless individual accolades, Messi knows he’s reached the pinnacle. “I can’t ask for anything anymore. I was missing the World Cup. I’ve won it all, I’ve achieved everything,” he said. Yet, as the world watches, the question remains: will Messi make one final run at World Cup glory in 2026? Only time—and his decision this year—will tell.
