2026 World Cup Could Feature Lionel Messi One Last Time

Lionel Messi has done it all—won the World Cup, lifted the Copa América, scored goals that made jaws drop, and picked up more Ballon d’Ors than anyone in history. But if you think the 37-year-old legend is getting ready to ride off into the sunset, think again.

According to Luis Suárez—his longtime friend and now teammate at Inter Miami—Messi still has that itch. That hunger. That quiet little fire that says, “Maybe I’m not done just yet.”

Messi Still Wants It

In a recent sit-down with El País, Suárez opened up about what it’s been like reconnecting with Messi in Miami and what the two talk about off the field. And in between the usual laughs and banter, something surprising came up: Messi still wants to play in the 2026 World Cup.

“We joke about retirement sometimes,” Suárez said. “But honestly, he still has that desire to play in the next World Cup.”

Let that sink in. Messi, the guy who finally got his hands on the World Cup trophy in 2022, is thinking about doing it all again. Not just for fun—but because he still wants it.

He hasn’t said anything publicly yet. But if you’re wondering where his head’s at? Suárez just gave the world a pretty big clue.

The Fire Hasn’t Gone Out

To be clear, Suárez didn’t confirm anything. “I don’t push him about it,” he admitted. “Leo’s the kind of guy who keeps those decisions to himself until he’s ready.”

But still, the signs are there.

Messi’s not the kind of player who sticks around just to play out his days. He’s still winning, still creating magic, still leading Argentina to titles—like the 2024 Copa América win, just two years after his World Cup heroics.

He’s not just hanging around. He’s still leading. And that kind of drive doesn’t just vanish overnight.

A Legendary Comeback in 2022

Let’s rewind for a second. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar wasn’t just a highlight—it was the highlight of Messi’s career.

Remember that rollercoaster? Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia in their first match. People thought the dream might be over before it even started. But Messi rallied his squad, carried them on his back, and delivered a World Cup run for the ages.

And then came that unforgettable final. Messi. Mbappé. Penalties. Drama. Glory.

It was beautiful. Emotional. Poetic. And most people figured that was the perfect send-off for Messi’s international career.

But maybe—just maybe—it wasn’t the end after all.

Argentina’s Already Booked for 2026

Argentina’s qualified for the 2026 World Cup. That’s locked in. The tournament will be played across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—familiar ground for Messi, especially now that he’s playing in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami.

So if he does decide to lace up those boots one more time, it’s not a stretch to think that Messi could not only play, but shine. He’s already thriving in North America. The fans love him. The stadiums will be packed. The atmosphere would be electric.

It’s all lining up for one more magical run.

Meanwhile, Suárez Isn’t Slowing Down Either

While everyone’s speculating about Messi, Suárez is still grinding too. At 38, he’s not phoning it in. In just 13 games this season for Inter Miami, he’s scored four goals and assisted six more. Not bad for someone many thought was done.

And he’s got some personal goals in sight too. He’s just 13 goals away from hitting 600 career goals and 34 goals shy of breaking into the top 10 all-time goal scorers in football history.

“For a Uruguayan to get there? That would be incredible,” Suárez said. “Something truly historic.”

He doesn’t have a retirement date either. “As long as I still feel the passion and drive to compete, I’ll keep going,” he added.

That same drive seems to be what’s keeping Messi thinking about one last shot too.

Source: Lionel Messi at 2026 World Cup? Luis Suárez says he wants to play

A Bond That Goes Beyond Football

Part of what makes this whole story even better is the relationship between Messi and Suárez. They’re more than former teammates—they’re real-life best friends. From their days together at Barcelona to their new chapter in Miami, their connection has always gone deeper than football.

When Suárez got the chance to join Inter Miami and reunite with Messi, he didn’t think twice. It wasn’t just about playing together again—it was about sharing this part of their journey.

“Being able to finish our careers like this, side by side again… it means a lot,” Suárez said.

And it shows on the field. Inter Miami’s been electric since the duo linked up again. Attendance is up. The fans are energized. And the team is making history—reaching the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup for the first time ever.

What’s Next for Messi and Suárez

Suárez’s contract with Inter Miami ends later this year, but he’s leaving the door wide open for an extension.

“If I’m still feeling good and the club wants me, we’ll talk,” he said. “Right now, I’m just focused on enjoying the season and helping the team.”

As for Messi? He’s given no official word about 2026. But the way he’s playing, the things Suárez has shared, and the hunger Messi clearly still has… it’s hard not to believe something big might be coming.

One more shot at greatness. One last dance in a World Cup. It sounds like a fairy tale—but it’s Messi. He is the fairy tale.

Time Will Tell—But Hope Is Alive

At the end of the day, only Messi knows what he’s going to do. Maybe he already made his decision. Maybe he’s still thinking it over. But thanks to Suárez, the world now knows one thing for sure: the door is open.

He’s not done dreaming. Not just yet.

And for fans everywhere—from Buenos Aires to Miami to Montreal—that glimmer of hope is enough. Because watching Messi on the world’s biggest stage one last time? That would be the perfect ending.

Or maybe… just the next chapter.

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