Argentina´s ahead #10 Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his second objective throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers soccer match between Argentina and Venezuela on the Estadio Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on September 4, 2025. — AFP
Lionel Messi, nonetheless chasing worldwide glory almost 20 years into his profession, says he hopes to play on the 2026 World Cup in North America, acknowledging his age and health will dictate his function in defending Argentina’s 2022 title.
The Argentine nice not too long ago prolonged his contract with Main League Soccer facet Inter Miami via 2028, signalling he isn’t but contemplating retirement regardless of turning 39 subsequent June.
“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” the Argentine captain stated within the interview launched on Monday.
“I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my team, if I am there. I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter (and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful and then make a decision.
“I’m actually keen as a result of it is a World Cup. We’re coming off profitable the final one, and having the ability to defend it on the sector once more is spectacular as a result of it’s at all times a dream to play with the nationwide group.”
Messi has enjoyed a professional career spanning more than 20 years, debuting for Barcelona at just 17 in 2004 before playing for Paris St Germain and joining Inter Miami in 2023. He sparked fresh interest in the American league in a critical moment for the sport in North America ahead of hosting next year’s World Cup.
While Messi has amassed countless club and individual accolades, international success had eluded him until claiming the 2021 Copa America before beating France 4-2 on penalties to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“It was the dream of my life,” Messi said of the victory.
“It was additionally true that it was the one factor lacking at an expert degree as a result of I had been fortunate sufficient to have achieved every little thing at a person degree, at a group degree with Barcelona, and I believe that is each participant’s dream. While you ask a participant what their dream is, it’s to be a world champion.”
Messi has performed in 195 matches and scored a file 114 objectives for his nation. A return for the 2026 World Cup would mark his sixth look within the match.
