Argentina captain Lionel Messi has dropped a major 2026 World Cup hint as Inter Miami kick off 2025 with a 3-2 friendly win over Club America.
Messi’s participation in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico has been questioned as the Argentina captain will be aged 39 when La Albiceleste attempt to defend their title. However, the Inter Miami star has now dropped a major hint regarding his participation in the tournament in the summer of 2026 after the Herons’ first friendly match of 2025.
Messi scored in the 2-2 draw against Club America as the Major League Soccer Supporters’ Shield champions won 3-2 on penalties.
Speaking to TN, Messi said: “We have been doing preseason, we have few training sessions. So it helps us to continue growing with a new coach and to continue improving.”
When asked about the World Cup, Messi added: “I’m just starting the year, I’m starting it very excited, with a lot of desire. I hope I can start feeling well and start with a good preseason, adding minutes to be in the best shape when the official matches come.”
Inter Miami will be hoping that Messi can stay fit and hit his peak later in the year when they take on the challenge of participating against some of the best teams in the world during the Club World Cup set to be held in the United States.
The Herons have been drawn in Group A alongside Palmeiras, Porto and Al Ahly.
Speaking about the Club World Cup and the opportunity to face Argentine heavyweights Boca Juniors and River Plate, Messi said: “We have a lot of matches beforehand. The truth is that it is a year full of many matches. The Club World Cup is not until June. We have a difficult group as well and we are going to fight for it.
“We are going to compete, but first think about what is coming, as we have many matches before that.”
The Argentine will be hoping to keep up his fitness for the 2026 World Cup and it has been rumoured that Inter Miami may be open to sending Messi out on loan to a European club, with Barcelona touted as a potential destination, in January 2026 during the Major League Soccer’s off-period to help the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner stay in top shape for the World Cup.
