Messi Confirms He Can Continue Playing Until Age 41, World Cup 2026 Within Reach

Lionel Messi has declared he has at least three to four more years left in his playing career, a statement that carries massive implications for both Inter Miami and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At 38 years old and with 86 goals in 100 MLS matches, the Argentine legend shared his perspective during a recent conversation with former Italian striker Antonio Cassano.

"I can play three or four more years. I do it for the love of football, I enjoy it," Messi told Cassano during the former Italy international's visit to Inter Miami's training facility. The pair spent nearly two hours together with Messi's family, a meeting Cassano later described on the Viva El Futbol podcast. "He's the only person that, when I see him, I can't speak, I can't say anything," admitted Cassano, who played alongside numerous world-class talents during his own career.

2026 World Cup and contract implications

Messi's current deal with Inter Miami extends through 2028, meaning if he follows through on his timeline, the contract represents far more than a marketing exercise—it's a genuine athletic commitment. Most significantly for Canadian and international football fans, this timeline virtually guarantees his availability for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

While Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni hasn't confirmed roster selections and Messi hasn't made an official declaration, his stated intention to play "three or four more years" makes his World Cup participation highly probable. For betting enthusiasts monitoring Inter Miami's championship and playoff prospects, this news is crucial. A healthy, engaged Messi between ages 38 and 41 remains the defining difference between a legitimate contender and a mediocre side in Major League Soccer. His 86 goals and 45 assists over 100 appearances aren't inflated statistics—they demonstrate a player still performing at an unprecedented level for the league.

When Cassano posed the inevitable question about whether Messi recognizes himself as football's greatest player ever, the response was typically humble: "Whether I'm No. 1, No. 2, No. 5, No. 10 or No. 15, what difference does it make to me? It changes nothing for me. I don't listen to whether I'm first, second or third. I have passion and love for football."

Current challenges at Inter Miami

Despite the encouraging long-term outlook, Inter Miami faces immediate concerns following their 4-3 defeat to Orlando SC. Messi's next opportunity to respond comes May 10th against Toronto FC. While multi-year commitments provide optimism, the Herons must address a porous defence that consistently concedes goals while relying excessively on Messi's offensive brilliance to compensate.

Having Messi for another three or four seasons represents an extraordinary opportunity. Squandering those years with defensive deficiencies would be an unforgivable waste of his remaining prime.