After fulfilling his dream of winning the FIFA World Cup last year, Lionel Messi had mentioned that it was the last time he was wearing the Argentina jersey in a World Cup. But when newspaper Diario Ole asked him the same question again, Messi said he will wait and watch before taking a call on the 2026 edition.
"Because of age, it'll be difficult to make 2026 (World Cup)," the 35-year-old told the newspaper. "I love playing football and while I feel like I'm in good shape and enjoying this, I'm going to keep at it. It seems like a long time until the next World Cup, but it depends on how my career is going."
Messi's 13 World Cup goals are just three short of the world record held by Germany's Miroslav Klose. Messi scored seven goals in the Qatar World Cup.
The Argentina super star has already featured in five World Cups.
"I think Messi can make it to the next World Cup," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had said on Spanish radio Calvia FM last month. "It will depend a lot on what he wants and what happens over time, that he feels good. The doors will always be open. He is happy on the pitch, and for us it would be good."
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
(With agency inputs)
