When the final whistle blew in Qatar, Lionel Messi fell to his knees in a state of catharsis. It took a penalty shootout against France, but he had finally led Argentina to a FIFA World Cup title, one of the few trophies he’d not won through his career.

Soccer fans around the world eagerly await Lionel Messi ’s decision on playing in the 2026 World Cup. The wait could continue until the end of this year. Messi, the Argentine World Cup champion and Inter Miami star, said he thinks about playing in the next World Cup but will first consider his health before reaching a final decision.

Messi has a record 112 goals in 191 caps for Argentina. He holds the record for most appearances (26) at World Cup finals and is third all-time for goals (13). He was awarded the Golden Ball as the best overall player at the 2022 World Cup and captained the side to the Copa America a year ago.