Skip to main content
SI

Lionel Messi Teammate Drops Major 2026 World Cup Update

Lionel Messi’s international and club teammates both share the same opinion about the Argentine’s involvement at the next World Cup.
Grey Whitebloom|
Lionel Messi (left) and Nicolás Otamendi have played 96 times for Argentina together.
Lionel Messi (left) and Nicolás Otamendi have played 96 times for Argentina together. | IMAGO/Chai v.d. Laage

Lionel Messi’s Argentine compatriot Nicolás Otamendi is confident that the global star will not miss the 2026 World Cup.

Messi’s involvement in the 23rd edition of the men’s tournament has been the subject of feverish debate since before the 2022 competition even got underway. The 38-year-old had previously insisted that the trip to Qatar would be his last outing on the international stage, yet Argentina’s triumph seems to have softened that stance.

Patience is what Messi has called for when discussing his future. “The truth is that when you start thinking about it, it’s a long time away but at the same time it’s going to pass quickly, no?,” he wondered aloud back in April.

“For me this year is going to be important, to be able to play with continuity, to feel good.”

Otamendi was more confident. “Obviously, as the World Cup gets closer, he will make his decision. But I don’t see Leo missing out on the World Cup,” the Benfica defender told Radio La Red this week.

Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. | IMAGO/ActionPictures

“Leo is Leo, the best player in soccer history,” Otamendi continued. “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.”

Messi’s Inter Miami teammate and close friend Luis Suárez shared Otamendi’s confidence. “He [Messi] also has that desire to play in next year’s World Cup,” the Uruguayan striker told El Pais in April. “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 [retirement] yet.”

READ THE LATEST SOCCER NEWS, TRANSFER RUMORS AND MATCH REACTION

Add us as a preferred source on Google
Published | Modified
Grey Whitebloom
GREY WHITEBLOOM

Grey Whitebloom is an Associate Editor for SI FC. He has more than half a decade of experience in sports media across all its various guises, from the fast-paced demands of news articles and match reports to in-depth research required for features. Whitebloom graduated with a First Class Honours from University College London and found himself named on the Dean’s List—which, despite his initial fears, was a form of praise rather than a punishment. He specialises in the Premier League and Champions League, while also boasting an extensive track record of La Liga coverage.

Home/Soccer