Will Lionel Messi play in 2026 World Cup? The Argentine gives a hint
Lionel Messi
After the penny has dropped, following Argentina's fairytale World Cup victory in Qatar, superstar Lionel Messi has weighed in on his future and if he can play in the 2026 World Cup.
In an interview with Diario Ole, an Argentine newspaper, the 35-year-old was open to playing another tournament, subject to a few caveats.
“Because of age it’ll be difficult to make 2026. I love playing football and while I feel like I’m in good shape and enjoying this, I’m going to keep at it," said Messi.
"It seems like a long time until the next World Cup, but it depends on how my career is going.”
)
Lift accident? Maintenance, builders & makers are ALL liable now, rules Supreme Court: 3 major regulations | WION Decodes
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Delhi Consumer Court fines Indian Railways Rs 25,000 for making RAC passengers share one blanket
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
Russia-Ukraine war: Putin mobilises more troops for Ukraine's war decisive invasion
)
Iran claims attack on US military bases in Jordan, Kuwait, alleges F-35s destroyed
)
'We have special forces': Netanyahu warns against any ICC arrest attempt abroad
)
'There needs to be a declaration of war': Trump wins Senate vote, but Cassidy draws red line on Iran
)
WATCH: 'Absolute chaos' at Spain-Morocco border; thousands breach Ceuta, at least 9 killed
)
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke returns to Maharashtra, receives grand welcome in hometown
)
Brewery offering 'free beer' the day Trump dies has license revoked - 'Will have to pry me out of my taprooms'
)
China builds 500+ spy satellites as US space lead shrinks | Gravitas
)
3.6mn people track 24hr Qantas flight from Melbourne to Toulouse: Pilot shifts, fuel tank and other details
)
Spider-Man: Brand New Day X review: Tom Holland starrer wins hearts; netizens call it 'ABSOLUTE GOLD'
)
ED raids uncover ₹600 crore assets in Jharkhand illegal coal mining crackdown
)
'Hamas will disarm': Trump unveils 'historic' 20-point plan to end Gaza war. What's inside it?
)
British Airways flight comes close to 'nosediving' over London
)
NEET Protests riddled with misinformation? Delhi Police blocks 480 Pakistan-based handles spreading 'fake news' since Operation Sindoor
)
Hosts India sweep Malaysia for double gold in men’s and women’s Commonwealth Table Tennis finals
)
'Not sure': Trump pours cold water on Ukraine's Patriot missile dream after Zelensky's claim
)
Saudi leads 43 nations for new Red Sea naval coalition amid Houthi blockade
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
Kiara Advani reveals why she chose Toxic, says character offered her 'all the meat an actor longs for'
)
Giant iceberg flips violently near Greenland exposing its underside - 'I didn't know they could do that'
)
23ft python swallows man returning from party in Indonesia; family find body whole inside reptile
)
Ex-French pilot who praised Chinese fighters lands in China spy scandal. This is what we know
)
Anthropic reveals India is Claude AI's No. 2 market. But what are Indians actually using the AI for? | WION Decodes
)
582 tonnes, 150 million°C, 60 years: WION Decodes the mind-boggling numbers behind China's 'Artificial Sun'
)
Bizarre new material discovered in Hiroshima nuclear bombing debris | Gravitas
)
Karan Johar's The Traitors season 2 contestants: Rhea Chakraborty, Mallika Sherawat and Munawar Faruqui in the first batch
)
Indian forces used pellet guns on Jul 20? SC hearing, police diary entry, MLC report and injured protesters' claims
)
Student denied admission to IIT Kanpur's cybersecurity program hacks websites to prove a point
)
This Ramayana actor took ZERO fee from Rs 4000 crore film. Guess who?
)
Nearly Rs 29 crore cash, 15 kg gold found at ex-bus driver's house in West Bengal
After Messi won the World Cup in December last year, many believed that he would hang up his boots and announce retirement. However, Messi surprised everyone and said retirement was nowhere on the cards right now.
“No, I’m not going to retire from the national team. I want to keep playing as World Cup champions with Argentina shirt," said Messi.
His sentiments were echoed by national team coach Lionel Scaloni who said the little magician can keep playing.
“If he wants to keep playing, he will be with us. He is more than entitled to decide whether he wants to keep playing for Argentina or not or what he wants to do with his career," said Scaloni.
“He is such a huge player for us. It is such a pleasure for us to coach him and his teammates. Everything he transmits to his teammates is unparalleled - something I’ve never seen before.”
The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be an expanded World Cup with 48 nations challenging for the shiny, golden trophy.
If Messi makes it to North America, he will be attempting to break the record for most goals scored in World Cups, currently held by German Miroslav Klose (16).
(With inputs from agencies)
WATCH WION LIVE HERE: