Messi returns with 2026 World Cup playoff kick-off

After a dazzling start to his Major League Soccer career, Lionel Messi is back in action for Argentina this week, as the long road to South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup begins on Thursday.

Nine months ago, Messi crowned his brilliant career by leading Argentina to the World Cup title in Qatar, confirming his status as the greatest player of his generation.

Since that magical night in Doha, the life of the 36-year-old superstar has undergone a period of upheaval.

After an acrimonious end to his career with Paris Saint-Germain, Messi was courted by Saudi Arabia before deciding to begin a new chapter in his career with Inter Miami.

Messi and his family settled in perfectly in Florida and enjoyed success on the pitch, leading Inter to their first title and the US Open Cup final.

Inter coach Gerard ‘Tata’ Martino, a former Argentina and Barcelona player, claims that Messi was ‘liberated’ by finally leading Argentina to the World Cup last year, after several abject failures in the major leagues.

But the question as the South American qualifying campaign kicks off this week is whether Messi will be there when Argentina tries to defend its title in 2026, when the tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In June, Messi seemed to cast a chill on this prospect by stating that he did not expect to participate in the final round of 2026.

However, he admitted in an interview in July that he did not have a clear idea of when he intended to end his international career.

«Even I don’t know when. It will happen when it happens» Messi told the Argentine media.

«After winning everything, I want to enjoy the moment and wait for time to tell me when it’s time»

«Logically, given my age, we expect it to be soon, but I’m not sure»

Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni, who won the World Cup, is certainly not in the mood to force things.

He also stated that Messi would be offered a place on the 2026 team if he wished.

«I think Messi can take part in the next World Cup» said Scaloni in January.

«There is nothing to worry about, but it will depend a lot on what he wants, if he feels well»

«The door will always be open. He is happy on the pitch and that would be great for us»

While Messi’s future continues to raise questions, Argentina’s prospects for qualifying for the World Cup are less uncertain.

The expanded finals of 48 teams in 2026 mean that six of the 10 teams participating in the South American qualifiers, which will end in September 2025, will automatically qualify for the finals. The seventh-place team will qualify for the playoffs.