Messi is very keen to participate in the 2026 World Cup - Photo: REUTERS
On the morning of October 28th, Argentine football legend Lionel Messi shared his strong desire to participate in the 2026 World Cup in North America to help his national team defend their world championship title. However, the star admitted that the final decision will depend on his health.
In an exclusive interview with NBC News' Tom Llamas, Messi said he will carefully assess his health situation next year before making a final decision.
Messi shared: "Participating in a World Cup is an extraordinary experience and I really want to do it."
He frankly admitted that age is a barrier, as he will turn 39 next June. Nevertheless, the reigning champion's desire to play remains strong.
“I want to go there, be in good shape and be an important part of helping the national team. I will assess this daily when I start the pre-season next year with Inter Miami to see if I can reach 100% fitness, if I can really be useful to the team, and then I will make a decision,” Messi stated.
"Obviously I'm very excited because this is a World Cup. We just won the last tournament, and being able to defend it on the pitch again is fantastic, because playing for the national team, especially in official tournaments, is always a dream," the Argentinian legend continued.
Since making his La Liga debut with Barcelona in 2004 at the age of 17, Messi's career, spanning over two decades, has seen him conquer every individual and club peak. After leaving Barcelona (2021) and Paris Saint-Germain (2023), Messi moved to the United States, playing for Inter Miami in the MLS.
Speaking about life in Florida, Messi expressed his satisfaction: “The truth is I like everything here. Miami is a city that allows us to live very well, enjoy life, feel peaceful, and the children can be themselves.”
International success was the only thing that eluded Messi in his illustrious career, until the historic 2022 World Cup. Argentina defeated France in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final to win the championship, their first World Cup title since 1986.
Speaking about winning the 2022 World Cup, Messi said: “It was the dream of my life. It was also the only thing missing at the professional level, because I was lucky enough to achieve everything at the individual level, at the team level with Barcelona. I think it's every player's dream. When you ask a player what their dream is, the answer will be to become a world champion.”
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/messi-muan-du-world-cup-2026-20251028095524162.htm
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