Messi Discusses 2026 World Cup Hopes and Calls for Major Changes to MLS Spending Rules in NBC Interview
In a rare interview with an American outlet, Argentine football icon Lionel Messi sat down with NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to discuss his future with the national team and the state of Major League Soccer (MLS). The discussion centered on the possibility of a sixth World Cup appearance and the financial structure of his current league.
World Cup Decision Hinges on Fitness
Messi, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, expressed a strong desire to defend the trophy in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. However, the 38-year-old superstar made it clear that his participation is conditional upon his physical condition.
“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” Messi said. “I would like to be there, to be well, and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there.”
He emphasized a cautious, day-to-day approach to the decision, acknowledging his age will be a major factor. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner plans to assess his fitness when he begins preseason with Inter Miami next year. “I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis… and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group, to the national team, and then make a decision.”
A Plea to Loosen MLS Spending Restrictions
One of the most noteworthy moments of the interview came when Messi addressed the financial structure of Major League Soccer. While he is hopeful that soccer can reach the popularity of American sports like football and basketball in the U.S., he believes the league’s rules are holding back its growth and ability to compete globally.
Messi specifically highlighted the need to loosen spending restrictions, such as the salary cap and Designated Player (DP) rules, to allow clubs greater freedom in player acquisition.
“Every team should have the opportunity to bring in players and sign whoever each team wants—without limitations or rules for players to bring them in,” Messi stated. “I don’t think that today all teams in the United States, all clubs, have the power to do that, and I think that if they were given the freedom, many more important players would come and help the growth of the United States.”
Messi’s comments lend significant weight to the long-running debate over MLS’s unique ruleset, which is designed to control spending and promote competitive balance.
Embracing Life in Miami
In addition to football topics, Messi briefly touched upon his family’s adjustment to life in the United States since joining Inter Miami in 2023. Having spent most of his life in Barcelona, he praised his new home city.
“The truth is that I like everything about living here,” he said, describing Miami as a place that allows his family “to live very well, that makes us enjoy life, that allows us to be calm, that allows the kids to be themselves and live day to day.”
Messi’s extended contract with Inter Miami runs through 2028, signaling his commitment to the American league as he eyes a potential historic sixth World Cup appearance in the continent next year.
