The Legend’s Reflection on His Future
Lionel Messi, the iconic Argentine and former Barcelona superstar, has recently opened up about his future, particularly his chances of playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Argentina. Currently a star player for Inter Miami, Messi is poised to lead his team in the Major League Soccer (MLS) final against Vancouver Whitecaps, a momentous occasion as the club seeks its first-ever MLS Cup. Messi, who has hinted at the possibility of returning to Barcelona to live after his playing days, remains a sensitive topic for the Blaugrana, as fans never had the chance to bid a proper farewell to their greatest player. The strained relationship with former coach Pep Guardiola adds another layer of complexity to Messi’s legacy in Catalonia. In a heartfelt interview with ESPN, Messi spoke candidly about his deep admiration for Guardiola, calling him the best manager he has ever worked with.
The Praise for Pep Guardiola
For Messi, Pep Guardiola is not just a great coach; he is a unique and visionary figure in the world of football. “For me, Guardiola is unique. There are extraordinarily good coaches, but he has something different. For me, he’s the best of all of them,” Messi said, emphasizing Guardiola’s exceptional ability to see and prepare for matches, as well as his exceptional communication skills. “We were lucky that we all coincided at Barcelona – him and all of us. He had the pieces he needed for what he wanted,” Messi continued. Guardiola’s success did not stop at Barcelona; he continued to win and revolutionize football at both Bayern Munich and Manchester City. “Even though he didn’t win the Champions League at Bayern, he changed the way football was played in Germany, where they were used to a different style. In England he did the same… He not only changes a team, he changes how the whole league plays,” Messi added, highlighting Guardiola’s profound impact on the sport.
The Symbiosis with Guardiola
From the age of 21 to 25, Messi was under Guardiola’s guidance, a period that many consider the most successful of his club career. “From the beginning, we had a great relationship. Pep was very close, we talked a lot, and I learned an enormous amount from him,” Messi recalled. Guardiola’s influence extended beyond just tactical instruction; he helped Messi refine his game and understand the nuances of the sport more deeply. “I added more things to my game on top of what I already knew. I learned a lot with him – how to move, how to read spaces,” Messi explained. One of the most significant moves by Guardiola was positioning Messi as a false nine, a role that perfectly suited his skills. “He was even the one who put me as a false nine; in Barcelona’s youth teams, I played behind the striker. That was really my position. Even when I debuted with [Frank] Rijkaard and later with Pep, they placed me as a winger, but I had never really played there. But I kept adding things to my game and kept growing football-wise as well,” Messi said, reflecting on the transformation that occurred under Guardiola’s mentorship.
Preparing for the 2026 World Cup
Despite his age and the rigors of a long career, Messi has not completely ruled out his chances of playing in the 2026 World Cup. However, he is realistic about the challenges that come with such an ambition. Messi revealed that he would not be present for a potential Finalissima between Spain and Argentina in March, as he would be in the middle of Inter Miami’s preseason and not fit to play. “The truth is we’ve been talking about it. He [Scaloni] understands, and we’ve discussed it a lot. He always tells me that he would like me to be there in any role,” Messi said, highlighting the trust and open communication he shares with Argentina’s manager, Lionel Scaloni. “But being honest, having a preseason in the middle changes everything for me. It’s like starting a new season from scratch, and having a preseason in the middle will help me a lot because European players arrive to finals with a ton of matches in their legs, like always. Except for Qatar, which was midseason, and many felt better because they had less load,” Messi explained, acknowledging the physical demands of international football.
The Desire to Be There
Despite the uncertainties, Messi’s desire to be part of the 2026 World Cup remains strong. “I hope I can be there. I’ve said before that I’d love to be there. At worst, I’ll be there watching it live, but it will be special. The World Cup is special for everyone, for any country – especially for us, because we live it in a completely different way,” Messi said, expressing his deep connection to the tournament and his country. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, would be a significant milestone in Messi’s career and a fitting finale to his international journey. In September, Messi featured in what many believed was his final game for Argentina on home soil, an emotional affair at El Monumental that saw the veteran star reduced to tears as he was honored by a grateful and adoring crowd. If Messi does make it to the World Cup, it will almost certainly be his final showing on the international stage, marking the end of an era for Argentine football.
A Legacy of Greatness
Lionel Messi’s journey from the streets of Rosario to becoming one of the greatest footballers of all time is a testament to his talent, dedication, and the influential figures who shaped his career. His admiration for Pep Guardiola is a clear indication of the profound impact the coach had on his development as a player and a person. As Messi approaches the twilight of his career, his desire to continue playing at the highest level, including the 2026 World Cup, is a reflection of his enduring passion for the sport. Whether on the field or from the stands, Messi’s presence at the 2026 World Cup will undoubtedly be a momentous occasion, not just for him but for the entire footballing world.
