Thomas Muller Throws Shade at Lionel Messi's 2026 World Cup Chances with Pointed Jab
Lionel Messi has not yet decided if he will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup representing Argentina, but German icon Thomas Müller expresses skepticism about whether his MLS rival can carry his outstanding Inter Miami performances to football's biggest tournament.
Müller, who stepped away from international duty following the 2024 European Championship, won't participate in the competition despite continuing his career with MLS club Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The 36-year-old concluded his national team journey with 131 appearances and contributed to Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph.
For Messi, who is contracted with MLS Cup champions Inter Miami until 2027–28, participating in the tournament remains an uncertain choice. In December, the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient previously suggested he might simply be "observing [the competition] as a spectator" next summer.
"It would be a fascinating scenario, in my opinion, if he participated. That could naturally alter the entire team dynamic, either positively or negatively," Müller shared with Magenta TV, observing that Argentina operates differently under coach Lionel Scaloni, regardless of Messi's presence.
If the No. 10 takes the field for La Albiceleste on North American territory, he would join an exclusive group as only the second player in football history to compete in six World Cup editions, alongside his former La Liga adversary Cristiano Ronaldo, who aims for glory at 41 years old.
Müller Questions Messi's Performance Level at 2026 World Cup
Although Messi has achieved remarkable success with Inter Miami, becoming the inaugural player to claim consecutive MLS MVP honors and securing the 2025 MLS Golden Boot en route to MLS Cup victory, Müller remains unconvinced about the Argentine's capabilities at World Cup level currently.
"Whenever he possessed the ball, he simply came alive in crucial moments and genuinely sparked numerous attacking moves," Müller commented about confronting Messi for the 11th time during Vancouver's defeat in the MLS Cup final. "Whether that approach would be effective spontaneously at elite international competition, I have reservations [about it]."
Messi couldn't complete the previous international competition he entered, sustaining an injury during the 2024 Copa América. He found the net against Canada in the semifinal despite his physical issues, but had to exit the final versus Colombia, while his Argentine colleagues completed the mission and secured his second continental championship.
Regarding Messi's World Cup participation update, he omitted any reference to the tournament in his 2026 New Year's Eve Instagram message and has stated previously that the choice will be made nearer to the competition, based on his condition during the early 2026 MLS campaign.
Argentina will meet Austria, Algeria and Jordan in Group J matches at the tournament's beginning. Meanwhile, Müller will be monitoring Germany in Group E as they face Ecuador, Côte d'Ivoire and Curaçao.
READ THE LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS, PREVIEWS & ANALYSIS HERE
