Lionel Messi 'has the legs & mindset' to lead Argentina at 2026 World Cup, insists Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano

Messi missed Argentina's World Cup play-off matches in March with injury, prompting questions about whether he has another major tournament in him. But his former team-mate and current club manager is in "no doubt" that the national team skipper, who will turn 39 during next summer's World Cup, has the stamina to make it.

Mascherano said: "The physical side and the legs, I have no doubt about it. The mindset, too. But those are personal decisions. It’s his decision whether he'll play in the World Cup or not. I don't have to give my opinion. I can't tell you because I'm not inside his head. What I can tell you as an Argentine, I clearly want him to play."

The Inter Miami boss added: "The decisions are very personal. I try not to interfere. And I can tell you my wish — it’s not my opinion — my wish is, hopefully (he plays), first as an Argentine, second as a fan of this sport. We’ll see."

Messi ticked the final box of his career when he lifted the World Cup trophy in Qatar in 2022, after Argentina had beaten France in an epic final. Having become a star of football in the USA, where next summer's World Cup will be held, he would once again be one of the faces of the tournament should he make it.

Messi's deal with Miami is set to expire at the end of this season, though the latest reports suggest he will sign an extension to ensure he is still their player for the 2026 MLS campaign.