The question of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a>’s participation in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/">2026 World Cup</a> has sparked intrigue among fans, pundits, and legends alike. With the tournament to be hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, the prospect of Messi gracing the global stage once again is a tantalizing possibility.&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/mauricio-pochettino/">Mauricio Pochettino</a>, Messi’s former PSG coach and the current head coach of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/usmnt/">United States Men’s National Team (USMNT)</a>, has expressed optimism about the veteran’s inclusion in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/argentina/">Argentina</a> team.



In a recent interview with&nbsp;La Nacion, Pochettino shared his belief that the 36-year-old maestro has what it takes to compete in 2026. He emphasized Messi’s professionalism and ability to manage his physical fitness, stating: “I have no doubt that Messi will make it to the World Cup. If he wants to play, he will play. You see him, and he’s intact. He takes care of himself, he’s very professional. It will just be a personal decision.”



Pochettino also highlighted the potential impact of Messi’s participation for both Argentina and the host countries, calling it “spectacular” and a boon for soccer in the United States.



<h2>What is Messi’s current stance?</h2>



While Pochettino’s comments are optimistic, Messi himself has been more measured in his responses. Speaking to&nbsp;Marca, the Argentine icon admitted he hasn’t committed to the 2026 World Cup yet, focusing instead on enjoying the twilight of his career. “I try to enjoy every day. I hope I can keep playing at this level to feel good and be happy. I haven’t set a goal to reach the World Cup but more so to live day-to-day and be well.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241119_WST_540380_Will-Messi-play-at-2026-FIFA-World-Cup-His-ex-PSG-coach-and-current-USMNT-manager-Mauricio-Pochettino-weighs-in-2-1200x675_9ac31963.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-540382" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Will-Messi-play-at-2026-FIFA-World-Cup-His-ex-PSG-coach-and-current-USMNT-manager-Mauricio-Pochettino-weighs-in-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Will-Messi-play-at-2026-FIFA-World-Cup-His-ex-PSG-coach-and-current-USMNT-manager-Mauricio-Pochettino-weighs-in-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Will-Messi-play-at-2026-FIFA-World-Cup-His-ex-PSG-coach-and-current-USMNT-manager-Mauricio-Pochettino-weighs-in-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Will-Messi-play-at-2026-FIFA-World-Cup-His-ex-PSG-coach-and-current-USMNT-manager-Mauricio-Pochettino-weighs-in-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Will-Messi-play-at-2026-FIFA-World-Cup-His-ex-PSG-coach-and-current-USMNT-manager-Mauricio-Pochettino-weighs-in-2-740x416.jpg 740w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Will-Messi-play-at-2026-FIFA-World-Cup-His-ex-PSG-coach-and-current-USMNT-manager-Mauricio-Pochettino-weighs-in-2-490x275.jpg 490w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Will-Messi-play-at-2026-FIFA-World-Cup-His-ex-PSG-coach-and-current-USMNT-manager-Mauricio-Pochettino-weighs-in-2-250x140.jpg 250w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Will-Messi-play-at-2026-FIFA-World-Cup-His-ex-PSG-coach-and-current-USMNT-manager-Mauricio-Pochettino-weighs-in-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Messi’s move to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/">Inter Miami</a> has been pivotal in this stage of his career. Contrary to assumptions that it marked the beginning of his retirement, Messi insists the move was motivated by a desire to help grow the club and achieve further success. In just one year, he helped the Herons secure the&nbsp;Leagues Cup as well as the Supporters’ Shield and contributed significantly to their growth as a competitive side.



<h2>Physical and mental challenges: Can Messi go the distance?</h2>



By the time the 2026 World Cup kicks off, Messi will be 39 years old. While his talent and football IQ are unquestionable, sustaining top-tier physical performance in one of the most demanding tournaments will be a challenge. However, players like&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/zlatan-ibrahimovic/">Zlatan Ibrahimovic</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/cristiano-ronaldo/">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>&nbsp;have set precedents for elite athletes competing well into their late 30s and early 40s, and Messi’s unparalleled skill set could enable him to thrive in a deeper, playmaking role.



Winning the 2022 World Cup was the crowning achievement of the superstar’s illustrious career. Adding another campaign to his legacy would not only be historic but also allow him to further contribute to Argentina’s soccer heritage. The Albiceleste will likely be eager to have their talisman back for the tournament, even if in a reduced capacity.

Will Messi play at 2026 FIFA World Cup? His ex-PSG coach and current USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino weighs in

Will Messi play at 2026 FIFA World Cup? His ex-PSG coach and current USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino weighs in - World Soccer Talk

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Mauricio Pochettino started his USMNT era with a win over Panama on Saturday. Yunus Musah’s first international goal and a late strike from Texas native Ricardo Pepi made the difference at Q2 Stadium.



<h2>Impressive Matt Turner double save</h2>



The hosts dominated proceedings and created the most clear-cut chances, but the game’s defining saves came from Matt Turner. The goalkeeping position has been one of the big talking points during the first training camp under the Argentinian coach.



Zack Steffen returned to the fold but missed the game due to a minor injury. The Colorado Rapids shot-stopper is believed to have an advantage over Turner in terms of guaranteed playing time at club level. And most expected him to play at least one game in this international break before the injury.



As a result, Turner, who last played for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/turner-gets-chance-to-save-premier-league-career-at-palace/">Nottingham Forest</a> in January, was presented with another chance. He took it with both hands as his double save from Yoel Bárcenas and Puma Rodríguez extended USMNT’s record of clean sheets in Austin to five games. Unless Steffen recovers in time for the Mexico game, he’ll once again feature on Tuesday.



<h2>Well-worked team goals</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241013_WST_534987_Pochettino-USMNT-1-1-1200x675_d26d2806.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-535033" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Pochettino-USMNT-1-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Pochettino-USMNT-1-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Pochettino-USMNT-1-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Pochettino-USMNT-1-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Pochettino-USMNT-1-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



On the other hand, there is a similar pattern to draw from both goals. Three players were actively involved in those scenarios as we’ve seen fast-paced attacking moves rewarded with goals.



Christian Pulisic and Brenden Aaronson combined well at the edge of the box to put Musah through for his first competitive goal in nearly three years. Weston McKennie was an unused substitute with Pochettino <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/christian-pulisic-usmnt-mauricio-pochettino-winners-losers/blt074923586c435dcf#cs87e17550fe74b67d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">opted to avoid a risk</a> as he wasn’t fully fit for the game.



With the second goal, all three players who played a big part in it were substitutes. Haji Wright linked up well with PSV’s duo Malik Tillman and Pepi. Josh Sargent’s replacement met Wright’s pin-point delivery with the last meaningful kick of the game.



Pochettino expressed his willingness to put his philosophy aside to obtain the best <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/pochettino-ready-to-put-his-philosophy-aside-to-win-with-usmnt/">result for the team</a>, but there was no need for that on his debut. But after the same opponent denied USMNT a place in the Copa America knockout stage, the win would certainly boost morale ahead of the game at Akron Stadium.



The last time Mexico hosted the U.S. in a soccer friendly was in 2012 at Estadio Azteca. Back then, a team coached by Jürgen Klinsmann recorded a late win to secure a first-ever win on El Tri’s soil.



<h2>Pochettino picks new USMNT captain</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241013_WST_534987_Pochettino-USMNT-2-1200x675_f9fc1fa0.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-535034" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Pochettino-USMNT-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Pochettino-USMNT-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Pochettino-USMNT-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Pochettino-USMNT-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Pochettino-USMNT-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Before settling with Pulisic in the wake of the World Cup, the captain’s armband rotated under Gregg Berhalter. And there could be another shift based on Pochettino’s unexpected decision to pick Tim Ream on Saturday.



Charlotte’s center-back captained the side for the first time since in the Nations League fixture away at Trinidad and Tobago. Saturday’s game also made the 37-year-old the oldest USMNT outfield player in over two decades.



The decision didn’t affect Pulisic’s performance, however. He was once again an instrumental figure as he added another direct goal involvement to his impressive start to the season. Before the game, Pochettino hailed Pulisic as “one of the best offensive players in the world”.&nbsp;



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