Lionel Messi wants to play in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and defend the crown with the Argentine football team, but he still does not know if he will participate in the tournament. Here is what he said about his possible appearance.
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Lionel Messi abandoned a major index that he could play during the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 19 in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The FIFA World Cup trophy has long been considered the missing play in Messi’s sparkling football history, but that changed in Qatar in 2022 when Argentina beat France, with Messi marking twice in the final.
While many expected Messi to withdraw international football, the 37 -year -old continued to play for the Argentina national football team, helping them win the Copa American 2024 title.
Does this mean that Messi will also play during the 2026 World Cup? Messi did not give a clear answer, but he admitted that he wanted to be part of the tournament, however, many will depend on his physical form and his ability to help Albiceleste.
“This year will be important to see what I decide on the 2026 World Cup. I would lie if I told you that I don’t think about it (playing the World Cup),” said Messi in an interview with the Simpilete Fútbol Youtube channel.
“It’s a long year that has just started and there is the Club World Cup in June, but obviously, I think of the World Cup and to be there, but now it is a question of living day by day and the way I feel physically and of being honest with myself to know if I can be there or not,” said Messi.
Addressing Simpment Fútbol, Messi also thought about his time with Barcelona, with whom he won 10 liga titles and four trophies in the Champions League. Messi, however, was forced to leave the Spanish team in 2021 due to the club’s financial problems.
The Inter Miami player said he wanted to return to Barcelona, but things never worked.
“I intended to return to Barcelona and be able to return to a place that I always wanted to be, but it was no longer possible,” said the eight time the winner of the Ballon d’Or.
“After that, it became a family decision. The fact that we won the World Cup also had a big impact. I was clear that I did not want to be in another team in Europe, I did not want to go,” added Messi.
Speaking of all regret in his career, Messi said he could have won more Champions League titles with Barcelona.
“At the time, I think we left a few additional champion leagues to escape, we could have earned more. The ones we won with Pep were really important, and the way we played was incredible,” he said.
