 "Lionel Messi continues to play for Argentina despite hinting at retirement after winning the 2022 World Cup. Image: Reuters")
Lionel Messi is 37 but remains in top form for club and country, which has raised hopes that he could play for Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Messi recently scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers win over Bolivia, however, when asked about playing in the 2026 World Cup, the star forward gave a philosophical reply.
Messi speaks on the 2026 World Cup
Messi said that he likes to stay in the present and enjoy “every day” instead of fixating on what is to come.
“In the moment, we will see. I don’t like to accelerate time or look ahead. I try to enjoy every day. I hope I can keep playing at this level to feel good and be happy,” Messi said after being honoured with the Spanish publication Marca’s American Award on Thursday.
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“When I get to do what I love, I am happy. I value that more than reaching the 2026 tournament. I haven’t set a goal to reach the World Cup, but more so to live day-to-day and be well.”
Messi had suggested after winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar that he was ready to retire but has since gone on to win the Copa America with Argentina and keeps playing for the national team whenever fit, leading to speculations that he is set to play in 2026 World Cup as well.
Messi’s impact in USA
The veteran footballer, who has won 48 major trophies in his career including a highly successful club career with Barcelona and PSG, is also having a similar impact in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami.
With Messi, Miami has won 21 out of 33 matches in 2024, lifting the Supporters’ Shield and standing on the brink of making the record for most points in a single season. They currently have 71 points from 33 matches in the 2024 season and will reach the record by beating the New England Revolution on Saturday.
On Thursday, Messi reiterated that he is in the USA to win more trophies.
“The step I took to come here [to Inter Miami] didn’t mean retiring. We came here to try and keep making this team big, to help the development by winning titles, which we have and we’re close to clinching more,” he said.
He has played 189 matches for Argentina, scoring 112 goals and winning two Copa America titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup trophy.