By Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Lionel Messi is not ruling out another bid for World Cup glory with Argentina in 2026, even as he realizes that time is against him.
Messi, who just won his eighth Ballon d’Or, lifted the World Cup almost a year ago after playing for Argentina in the final against France in Doha.
The 36-year-old later suggested that the tournament in Qatar would be his last and that he would not participate in the next tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
But after joining Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami and going on to play for the national team in the 2026 qualifiers, he says the door remains open.
“I’m not thinking about the World Cup and I’m not saying 100% that I won’t be there because anything can happen. At my age, the most normal thing is that I’m not there. Then we will see,” Messi said in an interview with Argentine newspaper Star+.
The Argentina captain said his focus is on the Copa America in June which will be held in the US.
“Maybe we will do well in the Copa America and everything will work out so we can continue. Maybe not. In fact, it’s difficult,” he said about the possibility of a sixth consecutive appearance at the World Cup.
Messi said he will be “the first to know when I can be there and when I can’t”. I also knew that I was down to play in a lower league. But it all comes down to the personal side of things, how you handle it and how you compete.
