LIONEL Messi has said that he is considering playing at the next World Cup in 2026 if his age and fitness permit.
The Argentine superstar recently extended his contract with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami through 2028, signalling he is not yet considering retirement despite turning 39 next June.
Speaking to NBC News, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said he will take time next year to assess his physical condition before deciding whether to play in the tournament across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” the Argentine captain said in the interview released on Monday.
“I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my team, if I am there. I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start pre-season next year with Inter (and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful and then make a decision.
“I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last one, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team.”
Messi has enjoyed a professional career spanning more than 20 years, debuting for Barcelona at just 17 in 2004 before playing for Paris St Germain and joining Inter Miami in 2023.
He sparked fresh interest in the American league in a critical moment for the sport in North America ahead of hosting next year’s World Cup.
While Messi has amassed countless club and individual accolades, international success had eluded him until claiming the 2021 Copa America before beating France 4-2 on penalties to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“It was the dream of my life,” Messi said of the victory.
“It was also true that it was the only thing missing at a professional level because I had been lucky enough to have achieved everything at an individual level, at a team level with Barcelona, and I think that’s every player’s dream. When you ask a player what their dream is, it’s to be world champion.”
Messi has made 195 appearances and scored a record 114 goals for his country.
It would be his sixth World Cup if Messi makes it to the United States of America, Mexico and Canada, having reached the final in 2014 and 2022, winning the latter in Qatar.
With agency report