He still has semesters to contribute before retiring. A year after his world title with Argentina, the captain of the Albiceleste, Lionel Messi, once again raised the possibility of his participation in the 2026 World Cup, saying he wanted it “more than ever”, but admitting that ” being realistic, it will be difficult.” For the moment, “the only thing (he) is thinking about today is getting to the Copa América” in June-July in the United States, a competition that Argentina has won in 2021.
“Afterwards, time will tell whether or not I am at the 2026 World Cup,” he declared on the Star + channel. I’m going to reach an age (39) which normally wouldn’t allow me to compete in the World Cup. I’ve said before that I didn’t think I’d be there, and it looked like I’d retire after the last World Cup, but it’s quite the opposite. Now I want to be there more than ever. »
“We are living a special moment”
It is to date his strongest declaration of intent on his desire to continue, if he can, until 2026. Since the 2022 title, Messi, 36, has always repeated that he will take his future with day-to-day selection based on your condition, without planning ahead. “I’m not thinking about the World Cup, and I’m not saying 100% that I won’t be there, because anything can happen,” he added. Maybe we will do well at the Copa America, and everything will come together to continue. Maybe not. Realistically, it will be difficult. »
“After so many years of suffering, today we are experiencing a special moment like I have never experienced, and I want to take full advantage of it,” says Messi of the pleasure he is currently having in the selection. I want to enjoy all that, without thinking about two or three years, which in football is a very long time. »