Lionel Messi's stance can be summed up in one phrase he has been repeating for months: he will only play in the World Cup if he feels he is up to the task of wearing the sky-blue and white jersey. For Messi, the World Cup is not just another tournament; it is the ultimate stage, where sporting reputations are decided and where he left his indelible mark in Qatar in 2022. With less than a year to go before the start of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the biggest question in world football remains the same: will Lionel Messi play in his sixth World Cup? The Argentine captain, far from giving a definitive answer, has once again offered measured, cautious signals, and a sense of competitive realism. "I am aware that it's a World Cup, it's the biggest thing there is in terms of competition," he noted. And so, while the World Cup clock ticks on, the dream of seeing him at the ultimate tournament remains intact, supported by the same formula that has accompanied him throughout his career: patience, demand, and a hope that, despite the passage of time, never fades. "I am excited, but I will take it day by day," Messi emphasized, making it clear that his desire to be present remains intact, albeit conditioned by an inescapable factor for him: his own performance. Unlike in other World Cup cycles, this time the Argentine captain is moving in a delicate balance between hope and responsibility. He does not want to create false expectations, but he also does not want to close any doors. That is why his personal demand becomes even stricter. This dynamic, although beneficial in the short term, raises questions about the jump in intensity he will have to face in a World Cup. Meanwhile, in the Argentine national team, no one is pressuring him, and they are all waiting for him. Lionel Scaloni and his coaching staff are following the captain's evolution without rushing, aware that his presence—even in a different role—could be decisive both in terms of play and the team's emotional leadership. Messi, true to his style, maintains prudent silence. At 39—the age at which he would likely compete—he knows that every physical detail will be crucial to maintaining his level. At the same time, his current stint with Inter Miami adds a particular nuance. Just one phrase that now guides his path: "I will take it day by day." The Rosario native is competing in a less demanding league than those he went through during his career, but with a schedule that allows him to manage his workload and avoid the constant grind of European competition. No promises, no denials.
