Lionel Messi drops bombshell on the 2026 World Cup and makes huge claim on this year's Ballon d'Or award

Lionel Messi has broken his silence on whether he plans to take part in the next World Cup, which will be held in 2026.

In December, Messi further cemented his status as the greatest of all time after he led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.

Since then, there have been rumours about whether the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will take part in the next World Cup as his country defends the title.

The 2026 World Cup will be held across America, Canada and Mexico.

Now, the Argentina legend has spoken about his plans and it may come as a disappointment for fans around the world.

According to Efe News Agency, Messi said: “I think not. [Qatar] was my last World Cup.

“I'll see how things go, but as it is right now, no, I won't go to the next World Cup.”

After scoring seven and assisting three in Qatar, many fans feel his performance in the World Cup could sway voters for the next Ballon d’Or.

However, Messi has played down the importance of individual accolades.

According to Titan Sports, Messi said: “Does the Ballon d'Or matter to me? No, it's no longer important to me.

“I've always said, the individual prizes are not what matters to me, but the collective ones are the most important. The most important prize at the moment is the World Cup, the greatest prize for me.”

Alamy

Last week, it was confirmed that Messi will leave Paris Saint Germain this month as he announced his move to MLS club Inter Miami.

Speaking to Spanish news outlets SPORT and Mundo Deportivo, Messi said: “I'm not going back to Barça, I'm going to Inter Miami.

“I made the decision that I'm going to go to Miami. I still haven't closed it one hundred percent. I'm missing some things but we decided to continue on the path.”

He added: “If the Barcelona thing didn't come out, I wanted to leave Europe, get out of the spotlight and think more in my family”