Lionel Messi (36) has surprisingly announced a possible participation in the 2026 World Cup. “After the World Cup it looked like I was going to retire, but the opposite was the case. Now I want to be there more than ever,” said the captain of the reigning world champions in an interview with “Star+” regarding his national team career.
Before the 2022 finals in Qatar, Messi answered the question whether it would be his last World Cup participation in the affirmative. Now he has at least partially revised his statement. He’s not thinking about the tournament yet, but “don’t say 100 percent that I won’t be there, because anything can happen.”
Lionel Messi with focus on Copa America
His focus was previously on the Copa America, which will take place in Messi’s adopted home of the USA in June 2024. The Albiceleste also competes as defending champions.
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During Argentina’s third title win in Qatar, Messi became the World Cup record player with 26 games and he knows that extending the record at the 2026 finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico will be a challenge. “I will arrive at an age that would not normally allow me to take part in the World Cup,” he said. Messi will turn 39 during the tournament. (aw/sid)
2023-12-03 18:35:35
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