Messi says doesn’t think will play another World Cup
Lionel Messi, the iconic Argentine footballer, recently expressed doubts about his participation in future World Cup tournaments. In a candid interview with Chinese media, the 35-year-old superstar, who led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, hinted that he may not grace the international stage again.
While Messi’s announcement may come as a disappointment to football fans worldwide, he remains focused on his forthcoming adventure in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami. Let’s delve deeper into Messi’s comments and his imminent clash against Australia in Beijing.
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During an insightful video interview with China’s Titan Sports, Messi shared his thoughts on potentially participating in the 2026 World Cup in North America. When asked about the upcoming tournament, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner stated, “I have previously expressed my doubts about returning to the World Cup. I will assess the situation as it unfolds, but as of now, I don’t envision myself being part of the next edition.” Speaking in his native Spanish, the interview was made available on the popular Kuaishou app.
These comments echo Messi’s sentiments earlier this year in an interview with Argentinian newspaper Ole, where he described the prospect of playing in another World Cup as “very difficult.” Considering his age and the physical demands of international football, it appears increasingly unlikely that Messi will grace the global stage once more. With the next World Cup taking place when Messi will be 39 years old, the football world may bid farewell to a true legend.
Despite his World Cup reservations, Lionel Messi has already made waves with his latest career move. After his successful two-year stint with Paris Saint-Germain, the Argentine maestro recently confirmed his intention to join Inter Miami in the MLS. This exciting venture promises new challenges and opportunities for Messi as he embarks on the next chapter of his illustrious career.
In the immediate future, Argentina is preparing for a friendly match against Australia at Beijing’s impressive 68,000-capacity Workers’ Stadium. This encounter will rekindle memories of their intense clash during the last-16 stage of the World Cup in Doha, where Argentina triumphed with a 2-1 victory. The anticipation for the match among Chinese fans is palpable, with tickets being swiftly snapped up despite reaching prices as high as 4,800 Yuan (approximately 671 USD).
