Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi doesn’t expect his teammate Lionel Messi to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After winning the 2022 edition of the World Cup with La Albiceleste, Messi had said that this would be his last World Cup appearance.

However, Messi continued to play for the national team after the showpiece event in Qatar and said he wants to be part of the champion team for some time more. 

But Messi is yet to confirm if he wants to play in next year’s tournament.

“Obviously, as the World Cup gets closer, he will make his decision,” Otamendi said of Messi to Radio La Red. “But I don’t see Leo [Messi] missing out on the World Cup.”

Messi is currently representing Inter Miami in the Club World Cup and the Herons will face Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday in the round of 16 clash.

“Leo is Leo, the best player in soccer history,” Otamendi said. “Right now, he’s living in the moment. He’s enjoying the Club World Cup. Leo’s focus is on continuing to compete, taking it month by month and seeing how he feels.

“He will make his decision based on how he feels physically, but you will never take away Leo’s desire to compete, to be there, to help the team. It’s in his DNA. Leo is different,” he added.

Messi has been in prolific form as he has scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 13 league appearances for Inter Miami this season and was voted the MLS player of the month in May.

Meanwhile, Messi led Argentina to the 2024 Copa América glory. Argentina has already qualified for next year’s World Cup that will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.