Lionel Messi isn't ready to hang up his boots just yet. According to Inter Miami teammate and longtime friend Luis Suarez, the Argentine superstar still has his sights set on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking in a recent interview, Suarez revealed that while their conversations about retirement often come with jokes, Messi has shown a serious desire to represent Argentina one last time on the world stage.

"No, yes in a joking tone we often talk, but he has those desires to play the World Cup next year too," Suarez told Ovacion.

At 37, Messi has already achieved what most players can only dream of: eight Ballon d'Or titles, 12 league championships, two Copa Americas, and the long-awaited World Cup triumph in 2022. But despite all that, his hunger for competition continues to burn.

Messi joined Inter Miami in the summer of 2023 and has hit the ground running in the new MLS season, scoring 8 goals in 10 appearances. His form has been crucial in helping the club reach its first-ever CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal—a milestone Suarez is proud to be part of.

"I'm happy for the moment the club is going through… I'm very excited and enjoying the growth of the team," said Suarez.

As for his own international future, the 38-year-old Uruguayan striker admitted things are less certain.

"I obviously, after being away from the national team a little bit… that is being lost more on my side than his. But we have not talked about it yet."

Both players are aware that time is catching up, but neither has closed the door on one last international appearance.

"Time will tell," Suarez said when asked about the possibility of both stars retiring together.

Argentina has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Even though Messi missed recent qualifiers due to an injury, his desire to return for the tournament is now more evident than ever.

In past interviews, Messi has remained vague about his future, saying he prefers to "live day by day." But Suarez's comments suggest there's still unfinished business for the man many call the greatest footballer of all time.

And if Messi does return in 2026, it would be the ultimate encore for a player whose legend is still being written.