 "Lionel Messi wants to play in 2026 World Cup, but here's why he's still not sure")
Lionel Messi has dropped a major hint that he may play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place from 11 June to 19 July 19 in Canada, Mexico and the USA. The FIFA World Cup trophy was long seen as the missing piece in Messi’s glittering football story, but that changed in Qatar in 2022 when Argentina defeated France, with Messi scoring twice in the final.
While many expected Messi to retire from international football, the 37-year-old has continued to play for the Argentina national football team, helping them win the Copa América 2024 title.
Messi on 2026 football World Cup
Does that mean Messi will also play in the 2026 football World Cup? Messi hasn’t given a clear answer, but he has admitted that he wants to be a part of the tournament, however, a lot will depend on his physical fitness and ability to help the La Albiceleste.
“This year will be important to see what I decide regarding the 2026 World Cup. I would lie if I told you I’m not thinking about that [Playing the World Cup],” Messi said in an interview with the YouTube channel Simplemente Fútbol.
“It’s a long year that just started and there’s the Club World Cup in June, but obviously I do think about the World Cup and being present there, but now it’s about living day to day and how I feel physically and being honest with myself to know if I can be there or not,” Messi said.
Speaking to Simplemente Fútbol, Messi also reflected on his time with Barcelona, with whom he won 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies. Messi, however, was forced to leave the Spanish team in 2021 due to the financial issues at the club.
The Inter Miami player said he wanted to return to Barcelona, but things never worked out.
“I had the intention of returning to Barcelona and being able to go back to a place I always wanted to be, but it was not possible again,” The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said.
“After that, it became a family decision. The fact that we won the World Cup also had a big impact. I was clear that I didn’t want to be at another team in Europe, I didn’t want to go to any of them,” Messi added.
Talking about any regrets in his career, Messi felt he could have won more Champions League titles with Barcelona.
“At the time, I think we let a few more Champions Leagues slip away, we could have won more. The ones we won with Pep were really important, and the way we played was incredible,” he said.
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