Messi’s Expectations for the 2026 World Cup

The next FIFA World Cup will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Argentina’s star player, Lionel Messi, is preparing well for what he calls a ‘home tournament’. Despite the fact that he has never confirmed whether he will play in the competition as a forward for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami, Messi has expressed strong ambitions for the tournament.

During the World Cup, Messi will celebrate his 39th birthday. The question remains whether he will lead his team in their mission to retain the trophy. However, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has not provided any clear indication on this. He has, nonetheless, shared his personal expectations for the upcoming World Cup.

Speaking at the American Business Forum in Florida, Messi said, “I have great aspirations for this World Cup. It’s going to be something extraordinary. There are going to be some amazing matches. Teams from all corners of the world will be participating, and some of them are very big teams.”

The tournament will run from 11 June to 20 July 2026, making it the largest World Cup in football history. A record 48 teams will participate, with Brazil, Argentina, and England among the 28 nations that have already secured their spots. The official draw for the tournament’s main phase will take place on 5 December 2025 in Washington, D.C., USA.