Messi wants to play at 2026 World Cup, says Suarez

Lionel Messi might have his sights set on competing at one more World Cup.

The Argentina great hasn't confirmed his participation at the 2026 World Cup, but Suarez revealed that his Inter Miami teammate has a "desire" to play in next year's tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

When asked if he's spoken with Messi about ending his illustrious career, Suarez told El Pais, as translated by ESPN: "No, we do talk (about it). Jokingly, many times, but he (Messi) also has that desire to play in next year's World Cup.

"Obviously, after being away from the national team for a while, that desire is fading more on my side than on his, but we haven't talked about it (retirement) yet."

After leading Argentina's triumph at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as the tournament's Most Valuable Player, Messi helped the South American nation qualify for next year's tournament with three goals in four games during a comfortable qualifying campaign for the three-time world champion.

Messi will be 39 when the 2026 World Cup kicks off.

Suarez insisted that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner hasn't told him about his plans for next year.

"I know what he is like, and I don't ask him anything regarding that," Suarez said. "Time will tell."

Messi said multiple times after winning the World Cup in Qatar that the 2022 tournament was likely his last. But he has seemingly been open to competing at his sixth World Cup after his move to Major League Soccer.

Messi was named MLS MVP in his first two seasons in North America.