Lionel Messi made a big statement on his international future when he spoke to the Chinese media during his team’s tour for an international friendly on Tuesday, June 13. Messi, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup win in Qatar, plans to retire from the international set-up before the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. The star Argentine&nbsp;was also recently in the headlines, having completed his transfer to Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS).

<h2>Messi to retire before 2026 World Cup?</h2>

"I have said several times before that I don't think so, that that (2022) was my last World Cup," Messi said when asked by China's Titan Sports in a video interview if he might feature at the 2026 tournament in North America.

"I will see how things go but in theory, I don't think I will be around for the next World Cup,” Messi added.

Considered by many as one of the greatest players of all-time, Messi has been in the headlines recently and has now commented on his future with the national team. Having made 174 appearances for the national side, he is his country’s most-capped player and the greatest scorer in its history with 102 goals. However, he does not think he will be around the national team when his country steps on the field in North America in 2026.

The legendary star helped Argentina end their 36-year drought for a World Cup when he single-handedly helped his team beat France in the final of the 2022 edition in Qatar. Messi scored seven goals at the tournament and was the Golden Ball winner having helped his side clinch glory. He scored twice in open play in the final before scoring in the shootout to take his team home.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-how-european-football-clubs-transfer-window-works-603972">Explained | How European football clubs' transfer window works</a>

Now 35, Messi also led Argentina to the 2021 Copa America win after they defeated Brazil in the final. He was part of the national side that won the 2008 Beijing Olympics Gold Medal. On the flips flip side, he suffered disappointments with the national side, having lost in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, while also losing the Copa America final in 2015 and 2016.

Now with Inter Miami, Messi will be eager to make his presence feel in North America anyways when he completes in the MLS. He completed his free transfer to the David Beckham co-owned club earlier in the month and was linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal and former side Barcelona.

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Lionel Messi made a big statement on his international future when he spoke to the Chinese media during his team’s tour for an international friendly on Tuesday, June 13.

Lionel Messi made a big statement on his international future when he spoke to the Chinese media during his team’s tour for an international friendly on Tuesday, June 13. Messi, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup win in Qatar, plans to retire from the international set-up before the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. The star Argentine was also recently in the headlines, having completed his transfer to Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS). Messi to retire before 2026 World Cup? "I have said several times before that I don't think so, that that (2022) was my last World Cup," Messi said when asked by China's Titan Sports in a video interview if he might feature at the 2026 tournament in North America. "I will see how things go but in theory, I don't think I will be around for the next World Cup,” Messi added. Considered by many as one of the greatest players of all-time, Messi has been in the headlines recently and has now commented on his future with the national team. Having made 174 appearances for the national side, he is his country’s most-capped player and the greatest scorer in its history with 102 goals. However, he does not think he will be around the national team when his country steps on the field in North America in 2026. The legendary star helped Argentina end their 36-year drought for a World Cup when he single-handedly helped his team beat France in the final of the 2022 edition in Qatar. Messi scored seven goals at the tournament and was the Golden Ball winner having helped his side clinch glory. He scored twice in open play in the final before scoring in the shootout to take his team home. ALSO READ | Explained | How European football clubs' transfer window works Now 35, Messi also led Argentina to the 2021 Copa America win after they defeated Brazil in the final. He was part of the national side that won the 2008 Beijing Olympics Gold Medal. On the flips flip side, he suffered disappointments with the national side, having lost in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, while also losing the Copa America final in 2015 and 2016. Now with Inter Miami, Messi will be eager to make his presence feel in North America anyways when he completes in the MLS. He completed his free transfer to the David Beckham co-owned club earlier in the month and was linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal and former side Barcelona. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Lionel Messi makes big comment on international future, says 'doesn't think will play another...'

Lionel Messi has made no contact with any other club including the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City as rumours surrounding the Argentine's future continues to make headlines. Messi has been clear that he will wait for the ongoing season to end to make a decision regarding his future. &nbsp;

According to a report in Goal, Messi has not spoken to any club and is yet to decide on his future. Notably, Messi's contract at Barcelona ends at the end of the season and the Argentine megastar is free to sign pre-contract with non-Spanish clubs. &nbsp;

Messi has been linked with several clubs with PSG and Man City being the most prominent of names in the list.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-not-fair-ronald-koeman-slams-psgs-di-maria-for-trying-to-unsettle-lionel-messi-361369" hreflang="en">'It’s not fair...': Ronald Koeman slams PSG's Di Maria for trying to unsettle Lionel Messi</a>

With Mauricio Pochettino taking over the charge in PSG, it was reported that the Ligue 1 giants could make a move for Messi. However, there has been no contact between the two. Interestingly, the likes of Neymar and Angel Di Maria have openly expressed their interest in having Messi as their club team-mates. Messi is yet to contact Manchester City where former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola is in charge.&nbsp;

The report adds that Messi is tired of media speculation and it will be he who reveals his future at the end of the 2020-21 season. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-boss-faces-resignation-calls-over-sexist-remarks-361240" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020 boss faces resignation calls over sexist remarks</a>

Messi's future in Barcelona is hanging in balance with Barcelona presidential elections coming up. Joan Laporta, Toni Freixa and Victor Font are the three candidates in the election.&nbsp;

Recently, Messi's contract details worth €555 million (£491m/$674m) were revealed by Spanish newspaper El Mundo. The daily reported that the four-year-contract includes fixed and bonus payment which amounts to €138m (£112m/$167m) in annual earnings. Barcelona announced their intention to take legal action over the leak.&nbsp;

Lionel Messi has made no contact with any other club including the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City as rumours surrounding the Argentine's future continues to make headlines.

Lionel Messi has made no contact with any other club including the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City as rumours surrounding the Argentine's future continues to make headlines. Messi has been clear that he will wait for the ongoing season to end to make a decision regarding his future. According to a report in Goal, Messi has not spoken to any club and is yet to decide on his future. Notably, Messi's contract at Barcelona ends at the end of the season and the Argentine megastar is free to sign pre-contract with non-Spanish clubs. Messi has been linked with several clubs with PSG and Man City being the most prominent of names in the list. ALSO READ: 'It’s not fair...': Ronald Koeman slams PSG's Di Maria for trying to unsettle Lionel Messi With Mauricio Pochettino taking over the charge in PSG, it was reported that the Ligue 1 giants could make a move for Messi. However, there has been no contact between the two. Interestingly, the likes of Neymar and Angel Di Maria have openly expressed their interest in having Messi as their club team-mates. Messi is yet to contact Manchester City where former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola is in charge. The report adds that Messi is tired of media speculation and it will be he who reveals his future at the end of the 2020-21 season. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020 boss faces resignation calls over sexist remarks Messi's future in Barcelona is hanging in balance with Barcelona presidential elections coming up. Joan Laporta, Toni Freixa and Victor Font are the three candidates in the election. Recently, Messi's contract details worth €555 million (£491m/$674m) were revealed by Spanish newspaper El Mundo. The daily reported that the four-year-contract includes fixed and bonus payment which amounts to €138m (£112m/$167m) in annual earnings. Barcelona announced their intention to take legal action over the leak.

Lionel Messi denies contact with PSG and Man City over transfer: Report

Two of the candidates in Barcelona's presidential election, Joan Laporta and Victor Font, insisted on Monday that Lionel Messi "generates more" than he earns, after his "colossal" club contract was published in a Spanish newspaper.&nbsp;

"Leo generates much more income than the money he costs," Joan Laporta, who is seeking to regain the presidency, told Rac1 radio.&nbsp;

"We have done a study and he generates a third of Barca's total income."

"It's not only the economic return," Laporta said. "But also the emotional and sporting return, and the vivid moments he gives us."&nbsp;

Messi is in the last year of his contract.&nbsp;

On Sunday, under the headline "the colossal contract that ruins Barcelona", El Mundo published details of the current deal, signed in 2017. It said Messi could have earned 555 million euros ($674 million) by the time the deal expires.

Barcelona responded by saying it was not the source of the leak and it planned to sue El Mundo. The club did not, however, contradict the details.

Laporta is one of three candidates for the election on March 7. One of his rivals, Font, spoke on Onda Cero radio.

"To imply that Barca is ruined because of Messi is an absolutely erroneous conclusion," he said.&nbsp;

Both candidates condemned the "leak" to the Madrid newspaper and both promised they would do everything to keep Messi at Barca.&nbsp;

"We have to do everything possible to keep Messi, in 2017 and today too," said Font.

Laporta, the president when Messi first broke into the Barcelona team, agreed.

"I will do everything possible to keep Messi at Barca. I have had signals that he is happy in Barcelona, that he wants to stay."

Two of the candidates in Barcelona's presidential election, Joan Laporta and Victor Font, insisted on Monday that Lionel Messi "generates more" than he earns, after his "colossal" club contract was published in a Spanish newspaper.

Two of the candidates in Barcelona's presidential election, Joan Laporta and Victor Font, insisted on Monday that Lionel Messi "generates more" than he earns, after his "colossal" club contract was published in a Spanish newspaper. "Leo generates much more income than the money he costs," Joan Laporta, who is seeking to regain the presidency, told Rac1 radio. "We have done a study and he generates a third of Barca's total income." "It's not only the economic return," Laporta said. "But also the emotional and sporting return, and the vivid moments he gives us." Messi is in the last year of his contract. On Sunday, under the headline "the colossal contract that ruins Barcelona", El Mundo published details of the current deal, signed in 2017. It said Messi could have earned 555 million euros ($674 million) by the time the deal expires. Barcelona responded by saying it was not the source of the leak and it planned to sue El Mundo. The club did not, however, contradict the details. Laporta is one of three candidates for the election on March 7. One of his rivals, Font, spoke on Onda Cero radio. "To imply that Barca is ruined because of Messi is an absolutely erroneous conclusion," he said. Both candidates condemned the "leak" to the Madrid newspaper and both promised they would do everything to keep Messi at Barca. "We have to do everything possible to keep Messi, in 2017 and today too," said Font. Laporta, the president when Messi first broke into the Barcelona team, agreed. "I will do everything possible to keep Messi at Barca. I have had signals that he is happy in Barcelona, that he wants to stay."

Barcelona presidential rivals insist Messi is worth it

Barcelona maestro Lionel Messi has said that he wants to play in the United States but said he will not negotiate with any clubs until his current contract with Barca expires in June. Messi can start negotiations with other clubs in January with the current contract running out at the end of the season.

Speculations have been rife since Messi handed a transfer request in August before continuing with the Spanish giants. However, Messi made it clear that even if he leaves Barcelona one day, he would return back to the Spanish club in some capacity.

"I don't know what I'm going to do yet," Messi told Spanish television channel La Sexta.

"I'm going to wait until the season ends. I would like to play in the United States and experience life and the league there but ultimately come back to Barcelona in some capacity.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pep-guardiola-named-coach-of-the-century-beats-stiff-competition-from-zidane-alex-ferguson-352943" hreflang="en">Pep Guardiola named Coach of the Century, beats stiff competition from Zidane, Alex Ferguson</a>

"Right now the most important thing is to focus on the team and finish the season well, to focus on trying to win trophies and not get distracted by other things."

Barcelona, who went trophyless last season, are currently sitting fifth in La Liga. This is their worst start to a league campaign in 33 years.

Messi has been with Barcelona since the age of 13 and is club’s record goalscorer while winning 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League among other trophies. He has won the Ballon d’Or a record six times.&nbsp;

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Messi admitted that Barcelona are going through their worst phase financially and footballing wise while adding that he would be difficult to bring back the club where it used to be. The Argentine legend described Josep Maria Bartomeu’s reign as a “disaster”. Bartomeu had resigned in October.

"It's a difficult moment for the club, for everyone, but those inside the club know that it's in a really bad situation, things are very bad and it's going to be difficult to return the club to where it used to be," he added.

Barcelona maestro Lionel Messi has said that he wants to play in the United States but said he will not negotiate with any clubs until his current contract with Barca expires in June.

Barcelona maestro Lionel Messi has said that he wants to play in the United States but said he will not negotiate with any clubs until his current contract with Barca expires in June. Messi can start negotiations with other clubs in January with the current contract running out at the end of the season. Speculations have been rife since Messi handed a transfer request in August before continuing with the Spanish giants. However, Messi made it clear that even if he leaves Barcelona one day, he would return back to the Spanish club in some capacity. "I don't know what I'm going to do yet," Messi told Spanish television channel La Sexta. "I'm going to wait until the season ends. I would like to play in the United States and experience life and the league there but ultimately come back to Barcelona in some capacity. ALSO READ: Pep Guardiola named Coach of the Century, beats stiff competition from Zidane, Alex Ferguson "Right now the most important thing is to focus on the team and finish the season well, to focus on trying to win trophies and not get distracted by other things." Barcelona, who went trophyless last season, are currently sitting fifth in La Liga. This is their worst start to a league campaign in 33 years. Messi has been with Barcelona since the age of 13 and is club’s record goalscorer while winning 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League among other trophies. He has won the Ballon d’Or a record six times. ALSO READ: From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020 Messi admitted that Barcelona are going through their worst phase financially and footballing wise while adding that he would be difficult to bring back the club where it used to be. The Argentine legend described Josep Maria Bartomeu’s reign as a “disaster”. Bartomeu had resigned in October. "It's a difficult moment for the club, for everyone, but those inside the club know that it's in a really bad situation, things are very bad and it's going to be difficult to return the club to where it used to be," he added.

Lionel Messi wants to play in United States, says 'want to experience life there'

Barcelona megastar Lionel Messi has made it clear to new manager Ronald Koeman that he is considering his future at Nou Camp having lost faith in the club president Josep Maria Bartomeu. Messi has been on vacation since Barcelona’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final but held talks with Koeman in relation to club’s future and his position within the team.

As per a report in RAC1, Messi returned to Barcelona to have a word with Koeman, who is keen for him to stay and fulfil his contract which runs till 2021 season. However, Messi told Koeman that he was ‘more out than in’ after Barcelona’s first trophyless season in 12 years.

Notably, Messi has a whopping £630million (€700m) release clause at Barcelona and still has one year to go in his contract. And it will be near to impossible for any club to pay that sort of amount amid COVID-19 pandemic.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/show-commitment-or-leave-ronald-koeman-promises-to-revive-barcelona-321970" hreflang="en">Show commitment or leave: Ronald Koeman promises to revive Barcelona</a>

While Koeman, during his presentation as new Barca manager, admitted that he wants ‘the best player in the world’ Messi to stay at the club, the Dutchman added that he wants players who are fully determined and committed. Even Bartomeu has said that Messi wants to retire at the club, contrary to reports floating in media.

“He is a Barcelona player. He has another year. I don’t know if I have to convince him to stay,” Koeman had said on Wednesday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-true-final-of-champions-awaits-in-lisbon-321975" hreflang="en">A true final of champions awaits in Lisbon</a>

"He has a contract until 2021. I talk to him regularly and he knows there's a project with a new coach here. We're all disappointed at the moment, but we're motivated by the new project."His father told me that there was a strong disappointment. This is correct, but since Sunday we have to think about the future. It's about changing the mentality," Bartomeu said.

However, if Messi decides to leave Barcelona then it will arguably the biggest transfer news of all-time. 
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Barcelona megastar Lionel Messi has made it clear to new manager Ronald Koeman that he is considering his future at Nou Camp having lost faith in the club president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Barcelona megastar Lionel Messi has made it clear to new manager Ronald Koeman that he is considering his future at Nou Camp having lost faith in the club president Josep Maria Bartomeu. Messi has been on vacation since Barcelona’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final but held talks with Koeman in relation to club’s future and his position within the team. As per a report in RAC1, Messi returned to Barcelona to have a word with Koeman, who is keen for him to stay and fulfil his contract which runs till 2021 season. However, Messi told Koeman that he was ‘more out than in’ after Barcelona’s first trophyless season in 12 years. Notably, Messi has a whopping £630million (€700m) release clause at Barcelona and still has one year to go in his contract. And it will be near to impossible for any club to pay that sort of amount amid COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO READ: Show commitment or leave: Ronald Koeman promises to revive Barcelona While Koeman, during his presentation as new Barca manager, admitted that he wants ‘the best player in the world’ Messi to stay at the club, the Dutchman added that he wants players who are fully determined and committed. Even Bartomeu has said that Messi wants to retire at the club, contrary to reports floating in media. “He is a Barcelona player. He has another year. I don’t know if I have to convince him to stay,” Koeman had said on Wednesday. ALSO READ: A true final of champions awaits in Lisbon "He has a contract until 2021. I talk to him regularly and he knows there's a project with a new coach here. We're all disappointed at the moment, but we're motivated by the new project."His father told me that there was a strong disappointment. This is correct, but since Sunday we have to think about the future. It's about changing the mentality," Bartomeu said. However, if Messi decides to leave Barcelona then it will arguably the biggest transfer news of all-time.

Lionel Messi considering future at Barcelona, tells Ronald Koeman he's 'more out than in'