Will Lionel Messi be at the 2026 World Cup? .. his friend Suárez responds!

Fans of the Albiceleste, as well as football enthusiasts around the world, are dreaming of seeing their legend, Lionel Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami at 37, present at the next World Cup. It will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

In an interview with the Uruguayan newspaper Ovación, experienced striker Luis Suárez, a close friend of Messi, revealed that the "Pulga" still harbors the desire to participate in the planet's biggest football event and is not contemplating an imminent international retirement.

Suárez: "Messi is motivated by the idea of playing in the next World Cup!"

Asked about possible discussions with Messi regarding his retirement, Suárez replied: "No, no... but we often joke about it." He then added: "Messi still has the desire to play in the World Cup next year."

The former Barcelona and Liverpool striker continued: "Of course, since I left the national team, that feeling has somewhat faded for me, more than for him. But we have never talked about it seriously. Maybe we will tackle this topic as we grow older, but to be honest, we have never really delved into it."

It should be noted that the Argentine national team has already secured its ticket for the 2026 World Cup, after a convincing 4-1 victory against its eternal rival, Brazil, in Buenos Aires. Argentina thus becomes the first South American nation qualified for the tournament.

Also read: 🔴 Ronaldo and Messi for the Club World Cup? .. Romano reveals the truth!

Mohamed Rek |

Editorfr, ar, en

Mohamed Rek- sports content writer with over 10 years of experience creating football content in Arabic and French for platforms such as Foot Africa and Starafrica, combining accuracy, creativity, and audience engagement.