"It will just be a personal decision" - Ex-Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino offers opinion if Lionel Messi will participate in 2026 FIFA World Cup
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino has backed Lionel Messi to feature in the 2026 World Cup, which is to be hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. The former Tottenham Hotspur manager believes that the Argentine legend will take the call on his own but is hopeful that he will decide to represent the country in the tournament.
Speaking to LA NACION, Pochettino didn't have any doubts about Messi being at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The United States Men's national team head coach claims that it would be spectacular for the country if the opts to play at the tournament. The Argentine tactician said (via All About Argentina on X):
“I have no doubt that Messi will make it to the World Cup. If he wants to play, he will play. You see him and he’s intact. He takes care of himself, he’s very professional, it will just be a personal decision. It would be incredible to have him in the World Cup, I hope he decides to play, it would be spectacular for this country and for Argentina.”
Mauricio Pochettino parted ways with Chelsea earlier this year after the 2023-24 season ended. He has been appointed as the new manager of the United States and has a contract until the 2026 World Cup.
Will Lionel Messi play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Messi had once clarified
Lionel Messi had insisted last month that he had not made a decision about the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He stated that he wanted to enjoy his career as much as possible as he was approaching its end.
Messi had told MARCA (via ESPN):
"In the moment, we will see. I don't like to accelerate time or look ahead. I try to enjoy every day. I hope I can keep playing at this level to feel good and be happy. When I get to do what I love, I am happy. I value that more than reaching the 2026 tournament. I haven't set a goal to reach the World Cup, but more so to live day-to-day and be well."
Lionel Messi had also insisted that the move to Inter Miami was not because he was thinking about retirement. He wanted to help the club win trophies and believes that they can develop into a big team.
"The step I took to come here [to Inter Miami] didn't mean retiring. We came here to try and keep making this team big, to help the development by winning titles, which we have and we're close to clinching more."
Lionel Messi helped Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup last season and followed it up with the MLS Supporters' Shield this season. However, they could not get past Atlanta United in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs.