The former Tottenham Hotspur tactician believes the Argentine legend will make his own decision, but he hopes Messi chooses to represent his homeland at the 2026 World Cup finals.

Speaking to LA NACION, Pochettino said he has “no doubt” that superstar Messi will play in the 2026 World Cup. The US national team coach said it would be great for Argentina if M10 decides to play in this World Cup. The Argentine strategist told AlbicelesteTalk: “I have no doubt that Messi will play in the World Cup. If he wants to play, he will play.

Everyone sees that Messi is still in great shape. He takes care of himself very well, he is very professional. Playing in the 2026 World Cup is just a personal decision. It would be great to have him at the World Cup. I hope Messi decides to play, it would be very special for the United States and for Argentina.”

US coach Pochettino believes superstar Messi will continue to play in the 2026 World Cup. Photo: GETTY.

Mauricio Pochettino left Chelsea at the end of the 2023-24 season earlier this year and has been appointed as the new manager of the US national team, with a contract that runs until the 2026 World Cup.

Meanwhile, superstar Messi has yet to make a decision about participating in the 2026 World Cup. He said he wants to enjoy his career as much as possible as it is gradually coming to an end. Messi shared with MARCA: “When the time comes, we will see. I don’t like to push time or think too far. I try to enjoy every day. I hope I can continue playing at a high level to feel joy and happiness. When I do what I love, I feel happy.

I value happiness more than trying to achieve the goal of going to the 2026 World Cup. I don’t set a goal of going to the World Cup, but rather living every day happily and feeling healthy.”

The reigning world champion has not considered retiring. Photo: GETTY.

Messi insists his move to Inter Miami is not about retiring. He wants to help the club win more trophies and believes they can develop into a big club. “The move I made to come here (Inter Miami) does not mean I am retiring. We came here to try to help this club grow, to develop by winning trophies, which we have done and are getting closer to winning more trophies.”

Lionel Messi helped Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup last season and then went on to win the Major League Soccer (MLS) Supporters’ Shield this season. However, they failed to overcome Atlanta United in the MLS Cup playoffs.

And if he makes it to the World Cup finals next summer, superstar Messi will become the first player in history to play in six World Cups. There are currently eight players who have appeared in five World Cups, including Antonio Carbajal (Brazil 1950, Switzerland 1954, Sweden 1958, Chile 1962 and England 1966), Rafael Marquez (Korea-Japan 2002, Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018), Lothar Matthaus (Spain 1982, Mexico 1986, Italy 1990, USA 1994 and France 1998).

Superstars Messi and Ronaldo have appeared in five World Cup finals. Photo: GETTY.

Next are goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon (France 1998, Korea – Japan 2002, Germany 2006, South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014), Guillermo Ochoa (Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022), Andres Guardado (Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022) and finally the pair Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 39-year-old Ronaldo’s five World Cups – Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 – could also match Messi’s feat. But if the Argentine reaches 2026, he will be the first player to appear in six World Cups.