Lionel MessiI have “every desire” to play the 2026 World Cup with Argentina, but will not decide whether to participate until next year, as he explained on Monday. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, 38, did not confirm his participation (June 11 to July 19), which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, during an interview with the American network ‘NBC’, a few days after extending his contract with Inter Miami until 2028.
“To be honest, it would be extraordinary to be in the World Cup. I would like to be fit and play an important role in helping my team,” said the 2022 world champion, whose country has qualified for the first 48-team World Cup.
Messi played his last big home game for his national team in September, a 3-0 win against Venezuelain which he scored two goals. Messi holds the record for most international matches (195) and goals (114) with the Albiceleste. “When the preseason with Inter begins next year, I will evaluate the situation and see if I can be at 100%, if I can be useful to the team, to the national team, and then I will make a decision,” he explained.
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“Obviously, I am very excited because it is a World Cup. We won the last one and being able to defend the title on the field would be great, because it is always a dream to play with the national team, especially in an official competition,” added the Argentine in a rare interview since he joined the North American league in 2023.
