Lionel Messi has expressed hope of representing Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aiming to help the defending champions retain their title when the tournament takes place in North America next summer, despite fitness and age concerns.

Messi, who will be 39 by the time the 2026 World Cup begins, told NBC News that he will evaluate how his body feels before deciding whether to participate in the tournament which will be held across the United States of America, Mexico and Canada.