Argentina soccer superstar Lionel Messi has said he hopes to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, though acknowledges that his health will dictate his role in the competition.
In an interview with NBC News, the 38-year-old hinted at playing in soccer’s biggest competition next year, which will take place next summer across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
“I am going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start the preseason next year with Inter (Miami) and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group, to the national team, and then make a decision,” said the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“I’m really eager because it’s the World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last World Cup and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions, so hopefully God will allow me to do it once again.”
After qualifying for next year’s World Cup during the September international window, Messi told the media that he would wait to make a decision regarding his participation in next year’s competition.
“Same as I said before about the World Cup that I don’t think I’ll play another. Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it,” the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star told reporters after a 3-0 victory over Venezuela.
“But well, we’re almost there, so I’m excited and motivated to play it. Like I always say, I go day by day, going by how I feel.
“I’m trying to feel good and, above all, being honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I don’t, honestly, I don’t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don’t feel good. So we’ll see.”