Argentina’s reigning world champion Lionel Messi, 35, said in an interview with Chinese media that aired on Tuesday that he “doesn’t think” he will compete in the next World Cup in 2026. I have already said several times, I believe not. It was my last World Cup. I’ll see how things go, but in principle I don’t think I’ll go to the next World Cup,” he said in a lengthy video interview with Chinese sports newspaper Titan Sports.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or is currently in Beijing, where he will participate in a friendly match with Argentina against Australia on Thursday, and where his arrival is arousing great enthusiasm.