Lionel Messi remains hopeful about Argentina winning another World Cup trophy, even as time slips away from them both. Despite realising time is running short for another run at glory in 2026.
Messi recently won his eighth Ballon d’Or award and played an integral part in winning Argentina their inaugural World Cup victory, playing against France in Doha almost one full year ago. He played as Argentina in their final match before going on to lift it all himself!
At that time, 36-year-old had announced that the tournament hosted by Qatar was his last before not competing at future tournaments hosted by United States of America, Canada, and Mexico.
He believes the door remains open even though he has moved to Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami.
“I do not give much thought to attending this year’s World Cup; however, nothing can be confirmed as yet as anything could change due to my age; however, that does not preclude attending entirely,” Messi told Argentina Star in an interview. In response, Messi said ‘then we shall see’.
“My main focus right now is making it to Copa America and competing in it, like I always have done before – which will hopefully mean continuing my contribution as long as it feels natural to do so. Our fight will go on as usual to become champions.”
He remains open, even as he joins Major League Soccer team Inter Miami in Miami.
“I don’t really focus on the World Cup right now; however, anything could change and attendance might depend on age,” Messi stated in an interview with Argentina Star+.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi recently stated his focus is solely on competing in June’s Copa America tournament taking place in America.
At least, hopefully everything goes according to plan at Copa America and everything works out smoothly from then on, or maybe not. “Realistically it is hard,” he admitted about making another World Cup appearance.
Messi has publicly noted that he will be the one to know when and if he can still play, noting his transition into lower league competition. How one handles such changes depends on their competitive spirit.
“Many thought I would retire following my last World Cup appearance, yet instead the opposite has transpired: I now find myself yearning to return even more than before! After so much suffering in previous tournaments, we are finally enjoying an unprecedented moment that none of us has experienced before; one I want to savor fully while enjoying time spent with this group and not worrying about two or three tournaments ahead. At my age I do not expect myself to make another World Cup; we shall see whether that happens or if our Copa America performance allows me to continue playing beyond one tournament! However it will certainly not be easy and it must be admitted; “but let me warn against complacency – retirement would not come easily; it will definitely not come easy either!” “However it won’t come easy;
