Messi leaves the FIFA 2026 World Cup open.
2023.12.03
Nearly a year ago, Messi—who recently won his seventh Ballon d’Or—raised the World Cup after leading Argentina against France in the final in Doha.
Although Lionel Messi admits that time is not on his side, he is not ruling out another attempt to win a World Cup with Argentina in 2026.
Nearly a year ago, Messi—who recently won his seventh Ballon d’Or—raised the World Cup after leading Argentina against France in the final in Doha.
The 36-year-old had stated at the time that the competition in Qatar would be his final one and that he wouldn’t be present for the competition in 2020, which the US, Canada, and Mexico will co-host.
But he maintains the door is still open, having gone to Inter Miami of Major League Soccer and continued to play for the national team in 2026 qualifying.
“Since anything may happen, I’m not thinking about the World Cup or declaring that I won’t be there. The most likely possibility is that I won’t be there due to my age. Then we’ll see,” Messi stated in a Star+ interview from Argentina.
The captain of Argentina stated that he is concentrating on the Copa America, which will take place in the US in June.
“Perhaps if we perform well at the Copa America, everything will fall into place and we can go on. Perhaps not. “Possibly it’s challenging,” he stated on the likelihood of making it to the World Cup six times in a row.
“The first to know when I can be there and when I can’t” was Messi’s pledge. I also know that I’ve dropped down a level. However, it all comes down to how you handle things personally and how you compete.
“I will continue to contribute as long as I feel good enough to do so. My only concern for today is traveling to the Copa America. Time will tell after that whether or not I’m present.
“I will be arriving at a time when I would typically not be able to compete in the World Cup.” I mentioned that I doubted I would attend. Contrary to what seemed, I was not retiring after the World Cup. I want to be there more than ever right now,” he continued.
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