Does Messi play in the US, Canada and Mexico World Cup? Two close friends give unanimous answers

The suspense about whether Messi will appear in the 2026 US, Canada and Mexico World Cup has recently received quite positive signals from his two close comrades. Whether it is Argentina's national teammate Otamendi or club teammate Suarez, they all expressed the same optimistic view. Whether Messi, 38, will participate in his sixth World Cup, has been a hot topic in global football since the 2022 World Cup. Although Messi has said the Qatar trip will be his World Cup mega-song, leading Argentina to the top seems to have changed his mind.

Messi himself is cautious about the future. In April this year, he said that it takes time to observe: "To be honest, when you start thinking about (World Cup), you will feel that it is still far away, but at the same time you feel that time will pass quickly, right? This year is very important to me, I need to continue playing and feel good."

However, his national team central defender partner Otamendi seems full of confidence. The defender who plays for Benfica made it clear in an interview with Argentina radio this week: "Obviously, he will make a decision as the World Cup approaches. But I don't think Rio (Messi) will miss the World Cup." Otamendi emphasized: "Rio is Rio, the greatest player in football history. At this moment, he lives in the present and enjoys the game (referring to the Club World Cup). His focus is on continuing to compete, spending month by month, and seeing how he feels. He will make decisions based on his physical feelings, but you can never take away Leo's desire to compete. He wants to be there and want to help the team. This is in his DNA. Rio is different."

Coincidentally, Messi's teammate and close friend at Miami International Club and Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez also holds a similar view. Suarez revealed in an interview with The National in April this year: "He (Messi) also has the intention to participate in next year's World Cup." Suarez also added: "Obviously, after I left the national team for a while, this desire has faded more from me than from him, but we have not talked about (retirement)." The positive statements of the two key teammates undoubtedly allow fans who are looking forward to witnessing the style of the King of Football again in the 2026 World Cup.