Messi's Teammate Reveals Shocking 2026 World Cup Plans

Nicolás Otamendi, who shares Argentine nationality with Lionel Messi, expresses strong belief that the football icon will participate in the 2026 World Cup.

The question of Messi's participation in the upcoming 23rd men's World Cup tournament has sparked intense speculation even before the 2022 event concluded. The 38-year-old previously declared that his Qatar appearance would mark his final international competition, but Argentina's victory appears to have altered his perspective.

When addressing his future plans, Messi has urged for patience. "The reality is that when you begin contemplating it, it seems far off but simultaneously it will arrive swiftly, right?," he reflected during an April interview.

"This year holds significance for me, being able to maintain consistent play and feel physically strong."

Otamendi expressed greater certainty. "Naturally, as the World Cup approaches, he will reach his conclusion. However, I cannot envision Leo being absent from the World Cup," the Benfica center-back shared with Radio La Red recently.

"Leo remains Leo, the greatest footballer in the sport's history," Otamendi added. "Currently, he's embracing the present moment. He's savoring the Club World Cup experience. Leo's attention is on maintaining his competitive edge, approaching it month by month and assessing his condition.

"His final choice will depend on his physical state, but Leo's competitive spirit and commitment to supporting the team can never be diminished. It's ingrained in his character. Leo stands apart from others."

Luis Suárez, Messi's Inter Miami colleague and close companion, echoed Otamendi's optimism. "He [Messi] possesses that ambition to compete in the upcoming World Cup," the Uruguayan forward revealed to El Pais in April. "Certainly, after stepping back from national team duties for some time, that motivation is diminishing more for me than for him, but we haven't discussed [retirement] as of yet."