Lionel Messi on whether he’ll play in the FIFA World Cup 2026

Lionel Messi is considered one of the greatest soccer players on the planet. In a rare and exclusive interview with NBC News’ Tom Llamas, the soccer legend describes his reasoning behind extending his contract with Inter Miami and the question every soccer fan has had in their mind: will he defend his FIFA World Cup title in 2026.

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SearchSearchFacebookTwitterEmailSMSBlue SkyWhatsappPrintRedditFlipboardPinterestLinkedinLatest StoriesU.S. NewsPoliticsWorldSportsBusinessHealthCultureShoppingTiplineScienceLionel Messi on whether he’ll play in the FIFA World Cup 2026Oct. 28, 202503:42Now PlayingLionel Messi on whether he’ll play in the FIFA World Cup 202603:42UP NEXTTwo shot and killed at plastics plant01:13Man offered $45,000 to kill Bondi in TikTok post01:33Severe storms slam Florida with heavy rain and wind01:57Stocks hit record highs over hopes of China trade deal00:47Manhunt continues for thieves after two arrested in jewel heist 01:29Monster Category 5 Hurricane Melissa barrels towards Jamaica02:33New technology revolutionizes football fan experience02:08First arrests made after Louvre jewel heist02:09New video shows baby’s dramatic rescue from overturned car01:15Good News: American Museum of Natural History’s ‘Night at the Museum’ returns01:45Hurricane Melissa takes direct aim at Jamaica as Category 4 storm01:56New push to recover remains of Israeli hostages00:58Key benefits set to run out as government shutdown enters new phase01:51Treasury Secretary says U.S. and China agree to a trade deal 'framework'02:21Government shutdown contributes to travel headaches00:59Trump raises Canada tariffs amid high-stakes Asia trip02:09Theater teacher donates kidney to assistant principal03:19Pulitzer-winning novel sparks real-life recovery effort in Appalachia02:17Trump threatens military action in Venezuela, escalates Colombia tensions02:02Nightly NewsLionel Messi on whether he’ll play in the FIFA World Cup 202603:42CopiedLionel Messi is considered one of the greatest soccer players on the planet. In a rare and exclusive interview with NBC News’ Tom Llamas, the soccer legend describes his reasoning behind extending his contract with Inter Miami and the question every soccer fan has had in their mind: will he defend his FIFA World Cup title in 2026.Oct. 28, 2025