Star footballer, Lionel Messi, is hoping to participate in the 2026 World Cup in North America. He has also accepted that his age and fitness will dictate his role in defending Argentina’s 2022 title. The Argentine great player Messi has extended his contract with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami through 2028. It seems that he is not going to think about his retirement despite turning 39 next June.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner told NBC News, he will consider his physical condition before deciding whether to play in the tournament across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The Argentine captain said in the interview
“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,”
“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 really eager because it’s a World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last one, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team.”
Lionel Messi Career
Messi has given more than 20 years to football, and made his debut for Barcelona at just 17 in 2004 before playing for Paris St Germain and joining Inter Miami in 2023. He has shown his interest in the American League in North America ahead of hosting next year’s World Cup.
Messi played in 195 matches and scored a record 114 goals for his country. He will participate in the 2026 World Cup in his sixth appearance.
