Lionel Messi’s future with remains a topic of intrigue, and his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez has added more fuel to the speculation. At 37, Messi hasn’t formally confirmed his plans for the 2026 , but Suárez insists the forward still harbors dreams of defending Argentina’s title in the United States, Canada, and .

“We do talk about it,” Suárez told El País. “Jokingly, many times, but he also has that desire to play in next year’s World Cup.” Suárez acknowledged, though, that neither of them has made any retirement decisions. He noted it’s a conversation they sometimes approach in passing, more as a lighthearted exchange than a serious plan.

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and followed it with another Copa América triumph in 2024. Many believed his international story had reached its perfect ending with those achievements. Yet the thought of another World Cup appearance still beckons, especially since Argentina have already secured qualification.

Suárez, who is 38, is no stranger to speculation about retirement either. He’s been clear that he intends to keep playing as long as he feels the competitive spark. “Time will tell how long I’ll be able to do it, but I still have that flame of wanting to play,” he said. “I don’t have a deadline. As long as I’m still keen, I’ll continue enjoying it.”

A hunger for more

For Messi, that same hunger might lead him to one more World Cup. Suárez didn’t push for specific answers and admitted he’s giving his close friend space. “I know what he’s like and I don’t ask him anything regarding that,” he said. “Time will tell.”

Both forwards have hinted at extending their club careers with Inter Miami, though official confirmations remain on hold. For now, each is focused on the season at hand, and fans around the globe are left to wonder if 2026 will feature one last dazzling chapter in Messi’s remarkable journey.