‘Only God knows’ – Lionel Messi casts doubt on 2026 World Cup in emotional Argentina message

Lionel Messi has spent nearly two decades carrying the weight of a nation on his shoulders. He has brought Argentina both heartbreak and unmeasurable joy, culminating in the ultimate triumph at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. But now, with the next edition of the tournament on the horizon, the 38-year-old has once again cast serious doubt over whether he will be there to defend his crown.

Following what could have been his final competitive appearance for Argentina on home soil, Messi left supporters with more questions than answers. His words were heartfelt, emotional, and tinged with the kind of uncertainty that no Argentina fan wants to hear: his future with the national team is far from guaranteed.

Lionel Messi and the 2026 World Cup question

After Argentina’s penultimate qualifier, Messi was asked the inevitable question: would he play in the 2026 World Cup? As he has done before, the Inter Miami star avoided making a definitive statement. Instead, he hinted that his participation in the tournament—set to take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada—remains in God’s hands.

The ambiguity was familiar. Messi has previously spoken about how he takes things “day by day” at this stage of his career. But this time, the sentiment carried more weight, particularly because of his emotional social media post that followed the match.

On Instagram, Messi wrote:

“A very special night that still leaves me speechless of the emotion. Heartfelt thanks to all the people for the love and for always supporting us. Whatever happens and whatever the future holds, only God knows.. LET’S GO ARGENTINA!”

For many, those words sounded like a farewell, or at least a soft admission that the curtain is gradually closing on his time in the famous blue and white shirt.

Messi’s absence against Ecuador

Messi

To add to the uncertainty, Messi confirmed that he would not feature in Argentina’s final qualifier of this window against Ecuador. At first glance, the decision seems practical—he wants to protect his body and remain fit for club football with Inter Miami.

But for supporters who have watched Messi play through pain countless times for the Albiceleste, his absence raised alarms. Was this just a routine decision for a veteran managing his workload? Or a sign that Messi is slowly stepping back from international duty, choosing carefully when and where to play?

At 38, no one could blame him for easing the burden. The physical demands of international travel and back-to-back fixtures are unforgiving. Yet, for Argentina fans, every game without Messi feels like a glimpse into a future they are reluctant to accept.

The emotional bond with Argentina

Messi’s relationship with his country has been one of the most fascinating storylines in modern football. Early in his career, he was accused—unfairly—of caring more about Barcelona than Argentina. Critics claimed he lacked the passion of Diego Maradona, the player he was constantly compared to.

But over the years, that perception has been shattered. From Copa América heartbreaks to the ultimate redemption in Qatar, Messi has given everything to his nation. His tearful celebrations after finally lifting a major international trophy in 2021, and then the World Cup a year later, solidified his status as Argentina’s true hero.

That’s why his Instagram message resonated so deeply. It wasn’t just a thank you—it was a reminder of the profound emotional bond he shares with the people. “Whatever happens” might sound like an exit line, but it also reflects the humility of a player who has always framed his career as something bigger than himself.

Inter Miami and club commitments

Part of Messi’s hesitation about 2026 stems from his new reality. Playing in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami means a lighter schedule than Europe, but also one where his influence is massive. He is not just a player in the U.S.; he is the face of MLS, a global ambassador, and a commercial magnet.

Messi knows that at this stage, every decision must balance his club obligations with his international dreams. His choice to skip Argentina’s game against Ecuador is a clear example. He is prioritising fitness for Miami’s crucial MLS fixture against Charlotte on September 14—a sign that his career is being managed with precision.

Still, if Argentina were in a must-win scenario, would he have pulled out? That’s the question some fans can’t help but ask.

Can Messi really walk away from the World Cup stage?

For all the doubts, it remains difficult to imagine a 2026 World Cup without Lionel Messi. He has been the defining figure of international football for nearly two decades, and the prospect of him not being part of the tournament feels surreal.

By then, Messi will be 39. The physical challenge of competing in a month-long competition across three vast countries is daunting. But his game has never been solely about running or power. His vision, technique, and intelligence mean he could still influence matches even with limited minutes.

And then there’s the emotional pull. Argentina will enter the tournament as reigning champions, with Messi as their captain, leader, and inspiration. Could he really watch from afar as his teammates attempt to defend the crown he worked his whole life to win?

What Argentina stands to lose

Should Messi decide to step away, Argentina would lose more than just goals or assists. They would lose their talisman, the player who inspires confidence just by being on the pitch.

Yes, Argentina are blessed with talent. Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Enzo Fernández represent the future. But Messi’s presence is irreplaceable. For younger players, he is both a mentor and a shield, someone who absorbs the pressure and lets them play freely. Without him, the dynamic changes completely.

The waiting game continues

For now, Messi’s future with Argentina remains unresolved. He hasn’t closed the door on 2026, but he hasn’t walked through it either. His phrase—“only God knows”—has become the headline, a reflection of his uncertainty and his humility.

Fans will cling to hope. They will replay his words, analyse his decisions, and convince themselves that he cannot leave yet. After all, Messi has surprised us before. Few thought he would win the World Cup after his brief international retirement in 2016. Yet, he came back stronger, determined, and triumphant.

Perhaps the same story is waiting to be written again.

Conclusion: A legacy already secure

Whether Lionel Messi plays in the 2026 World Cup or not, his legacy is untouchable. He gave Argentina the ultimate prize, delivered on the grandest stage, and silenced every critic along the way.

But football fans are greedy. They always want one more chapter, one more magical goal, one more glimpse of greatness. And so the world waits for Messi’s decision, knowing that if this truly was his last home game in Argentina colours, it marked the end of an era we may never see again.

For now, Messi himself has the last word: “Only God knows.”