Chelsea spending big on Gittens & Pedro is smart business

Carsley has to succeed Tuchel as England boss after U21 glory

When Kaka's AC Milan smashed Boca Juniors 

Disaster for Guardiola as Al Hilal bounce Man City from CWC

Euros Power Rankings: England & Spain clear front-runners

Editors' Picks

Ronaldo warned 2026 World Cup dream 'will end in tears'

Ancelotti challenges Neymar to prove he can be 'important' to Brazil

Transfers LIVE: Bayern initiate contact for Liverpool's Diaz

Ex-Chelsea wonderkid RETIRES aged 28 after injury-hit career

Trent gets up and running as Madrid make CWC last eight

Winners & losers from Man City's doomed CWC campaign

Real Madrid vs Juventus: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Messi's team-mate makes claim</li><li>Insists Argentina career is not over</li><li>"It's in his DNA"</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'It's in his DNA' - Lionel Messi's Argentina team-mate makes hopeful 2026 World Cup claim as Inter Miami star continues to shine on global stage

Major League Soccer

CF Montreal

Inter Miami CF

<p>Messi has not yet made clear whether he will play in USA next summer, after he lifted the trophy in Qatar in 2022. His team-mate Nicolas Otamendi is confident he will be there, however.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Otamendi told Radio La Red: "Obviously, as the World Cup gets closer, he will make his decision. But I don't see Leo missing out on the World Cup. Leo is Leo, the best player in soccer history."</p>

WHAT OTAMENDI SAID

<p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/messi-completed-football-winners-losers-2022-world-cup-mbappe-runs-riot-ronaldo-ruins-reputation/blt27b495756fd7733b" target="_blank">Messi was said to have completed football when inspiring Argentina's World Cup victory in 2022</a>, scoring twice in the final as they beat France on penalties. He will turn 39 during next summer's tournament, though, and his involvement is far from certain. </p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Argentina are 10 points clear of second-place Ecuador in the CONMEBOL qualification standings and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/argentina-defend-title-champions-book-spot-2026-world-cup-bolivia-uruguay-superclasico-brazil/blt16640972305dd323" target="_blank">have booked their place at the tournament</a>. They finish their campaign with games against Venezuela and Ecuador in September. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR ARGENTINA?

'It's in his DNA' - Lionel Messi's Argentina team-mate makes hopeful 2026 World Cup claim as Inter Miami star continues to shine on global stage | Goal.com

Lionel Messi&apos;s international team-mate insists competing is in the star&apos;s DNA and hopes he will play at the 2026 World Cup.

&apos;It&apos;s in his DNA&apos; - Lionel Messi&apos;s Argentina team-mate makes hopeful 2026 World Cup claim as Inter Miami star continues to shine on global stage

Next Match