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Thu, December 4, 2025
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Messi Hopes for a 2026 World Cup Return - Only My Body Will Decide, I Might Just Be Watching
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Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 10:30 GMT by TheHealthSite- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Messi Hopes for a 2026 World Cup Return – “Only My Body Will Decide, I Might Just Be Watching”
In a candid interview posted on The Health Site, Lionel Messi revealed that the Argentine superstar still harbours a dream of lining up for his country again in 2026 – a dream that is as real as it is uncertain. While the soccer world is buzzing about the 2026 FIFA World Cup that will be co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, Messi admitted that whether he will be on the pitch or in the stands will ultimately depend on his body’s condition.
A Brief Career Overview
Messi’s journey from Rosario’s youth academies to the top of world football is a story many readers of The Health Site will recognise. He joined Barcelona’s La Masia in 2000 and, after a meteoric rise, won a record‑breaking seven Ballon d’Or trophies. In August 2021 he left the Catalan club for Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, a move that shocked the football world. He has since faced a mix of triumphs – including a Copa Libertadores title in 2023 – and challenges such as injuries and a less familiar style of play in MLS.
2026 World Cup – The Dream, The Reality
Messi’s quote (“I hope to return to the 2026 World Cup, but only my body will decide, at worst I’ll be watching”) underscores the fine line he walks. He is currently 36 and will be 39 by the time the tournament starts. 2026 will be the first time a World Cup is hosted across three countries, which adds logistical excitement but also raises the stakes for players who need to be in peak condition to travel and perform in varying climates.
The article links to a FIFA‑approved training guide that The Health Site had published earlier in the year, outlining how elite athletes prepare for long‑term tournaments. Messi’s reference to his “body” is not only a nod to the physical toll football takes on a player in his late thirties but also to the sophisticated training regimens, medical care, and nutrition plans that top athletes follow.
The Physical Toll – Injuries and Recovery
Messi’s interview acknowledges the history of injuries that have plagued him in recent years. An ankle sprain in 2022, a strained calf in 2023, and recurring knee issues have all impacted his playing time. He admitted that the last few months at Inter Miami were “a bit brutal” and that his recovery process involves a combination of physiotherapy, controlled training, and specific diet.
The article’s internal links dive deeper into Messi’s recovery routine. For example, a sidebar about his use of anti‑inflammatory supplements and a post‑game recovery protocol that includes ice baths, compression garments, and sleep‑tracking technology. These insights were sourced from a piece on The Health Site that examined the “Post‑Match Recovery Routine of Elite Football Players.”
Fitness, Diet and Mental Health
The interview touches on Messi’s approach to staying fit. He reportedly follows a Mediterranean‑style diet with a focus on plant‑based proteins, low‑glycemic carbohydrates, and anti‑oxidant‑rich foods. He also reportedly spends about 90 minutes a day in targeted strength training and flexibility work – a routine he discovered while adapting to the demands of MLS.
Messi’s mental health is another angle explored in the article. A link to a profile on The Health Site about “The Psychological Demands of Being a World‑Class Athlete” underscores the mental resilience Messi has cultivated, citing meditation, mental coaching, and the support of his family. He stated, “I’ve learned to listen to my body and my mind, and that is key if I want to play in 2026.”
“At Worst I’ll Be Watching” – A Realistic, Yet Optimistic Outlook
Messi’s statement that “at worst I’ll be watching” is both a realistic assessment and a hint of his love for the game. He has always been a team player, often citing that seeing the national squad achieve greatness was more important than individual accolades. In the interview, he described the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as a “catharsis” and the Argentine squad’s emotional journey as “the most beautiful experience I have ever had.”
He added that if he does not play in 2026, he would still be in the stands “celebrating the game, supporting my country, and enjoying the atmosphere.” His words echo the sentiment of many fans who know that the World Cup is not just about the sport but about the shared emotion that unites millions.
Conclusion – The Road Ahead
In a nutshell, Messi’s interview on The Health Site offers a glimpse into how a modern elite athlete balances ambition, physical limits, and lifestyle. His words reveal a player who is aware that a career can last only so long, yet is determined to give his best in pursuit of national glory.
The article’s additional links – to FIFA’s training guide, to the post‑match recovery protocol, and to a deeper dive into the psychological demands of football – enrich the story with actionable insights for readers who may want to emulate Messi’s commitment to fitness, nutrition and mental resilience.
Whether Messi’s body ultimately grants him the chance to take the field again in 2026 remains to be seen. But if not, the image of him cheering from the stands, surrounded by fans and fellow players, would still capture the magic that only a football legend can bring.
Read the Full TheHealthSite Article at:
[ https://www.thehealthsite.com/fitness/messi-hopes-for-2026-world-cup-return-but-admits-only-his-body-will-decide-at-worst-ill-be-watching-1283837/ ]
