Paris, Feb 3 (BNA): After lifting his World Cup debut with Argentina in December, Lionel Messi said the tournament would be his last, but it now appears he is open to the possibility of playing in the 2026 event.
“Because of his age, it will be difficult to achieve 2026,” Messi, 35, told Argentine sports newspaper Diario Ole. “I love playing football and while I’m feeling good and enjoying it, I’m going to keep at it. It seems like a long time until the next World Cup, but it depends on how my career goes.”
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni would love to see the superstar – one of only six players to have participated in five World Cups – qualify for the next World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Reuters reports. .
“I think Messi can qualify for the next World Cup,” Scaloni told Spanish Radio Calvia last month. “It will depend a lot on what he wants and what happens over time, that he feels good. The doors will always be open. He’s happy on the field, and that will be good for us.”
After scoring seven goals in the 2022 World Cup, Messi could become the all-time World Cup top scorer if appropriate in 2026. He has 13 goals, three behind German record holder Miroslav Klose.
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