Messi wants to attend the 2026 World Cup

Messi - Ảnh 1. — Messi really wants to attend the 2026 World Cup - Photo: REUTERS

On the morning of October 28, Argentine football legend Lionel Messi shared his strong desire to attend the 2026 World Cup in North America to defend the world championship title with the national team. However, this 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 evaluate his health next year before making a final choice.

Messi shared: “To participate in a World Cup is extraordinary and I really want it.”

He frankly admitted that age is a barrier as he will turn 39 next June. However, the defending champion's desire to play is still very high.

“I want to go there, be in good shape and be an important part of helping the national team. I will evaluate this every day when I start pre-season next year with Inter Miami to see if I can be 100% fit, if I can be really useful for the team, and then make a decision,” Messi said.

“Obviously I am very excited because it is a World Cup. We have just won the last tournament and to be able to defend it on the pitch again is great, because playing for the national team, especially in official tournaments, is always a dream,” continued the Argentine legend.

Since making his La Liga debut with Barcelona in 2004 at the age of 17, Messi's career spanning more than two decades has seen him reach every individual and club level. After leaving Barcelona (2021) and Paris Saint-Germain (2023), Messi moved to the United States, playing for Inter Miami in MLS.

Talking 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 beat France in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final to win the tournament, their first World Cup title since 1986.

Talking about winning the 2022 World Cup, Messi confided: “It was the dream of my life. It was also the only thing missing at the professional level, because I was lucky to achieve everything at the personal level, at the team level with FC Barcelona. I think it is the dream of every player. When you ask a player what their dream is, the answer will be to become a world champion.”

TUAN LONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/messi-muon-du-world-cup-2026-20251028095524162.htm