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Argentina international Nicolas Otamendi has backed Lionel Messi to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He believes the Inter Miami star is the greatest player in the history of the sport.
Speaking to Radio La Red recently, Otamendi pointed out that Messi would take it month by month but is confident the little magician will be present at the showpiece event next year. The Benfica defender said (via ESPN):
"Obviously, as the World Cup gets closer, he will make his decision. But I don't see Leo [Messi] missing out on the World Cup. Leo is Leo, the best player in soccer history. Right now, he's living in the moment. He's enjoying the Club World Cup. Leo's focus is on continuing to compete, taking it month by month and seeing how he feels. He will make his decision based on how he feels physically, but you will never take away Leo's desire to compete, to be there, to help the team. It's in his DNA. Leo is different."
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Lionel Messi, who turned 38 earlier this week, has acknowledged that he's thinking about the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the Inter Miami star hinted that he will take a final call depending on how he performs with the MLS side in the 2025 season.
Lionel Messi wants to play at FIFA World Cup 2026, claims Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez spoke to El Pais earlier this year and claimed that Lionel Messi wants to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Uruguayan also revealed that the pair haven't talked about retirement yet. He said (via ESPN):
"We do talk [about it]. Jokingly, many times, but he [Messi] also has that desire to play in next year's World Cup. Obviously, after being away from the national team for a while, that desire is fading more on my side than on his, but we haven't talked about it [retirement] yet."
Argentina have already qualified for the FIFA World Cup next year. They became the first South American side to seal their ticket to the quadrennial event, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
