Mascherano Hopes Messi Plays in 2026 but Admits the Choice Is Entirely His

As anticipation builds toward the 2026 World Cup, questions continue to swirl about whether Lionel Messi will take part in what would be his sixth tournament. In a recent press conference, Argentina U-23 coach and former national team captain Javier Mascherano weighed in on the debate and left the door wide open—though with cautious optimism.

“He has the legs, the fitness, and the mindset—there’s no doubt about that. But it’s a personal decision. I can’t say whether he will play or not because I’m not inside his head,” Mascherano said, according to TNT Sports. While stopping short of making a prediction, the former midfielder made his own wishes abundantly clear: “As an Argentine, I hope he plays. And as a football fan, too—because no other player in the world generates what he does.”

Mascherano also praised Messi’s recent performances with Inter Miami, who drew 1-1 against Toronto in their eighth MLS match of the season, with Messi scoring the equalizer. “Today was just another example, like so many in the past 15 to 20 years. People come to the stadium to see him. That’s the reality.”

Reflecting on Messi’s broader impact on American soccer, Mascherano didn’t hold back: “Leo has been in MLS for almost two years, and he’s changed how the world views this league. The MLS now has the responsibility to build on that momentum. It has grown a lot, but now it must continue evolving with Leo as part of it.”

“He’s a unique, once-in-a-lifetime player who leaves a mark wherever he goes,” Mascherano concluded.

As the countdown to 2026 continues, the world watches and wonders: will Messi give it one more go on football’s biggest stage?