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Lionel Messi provided his honest response when asked about his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner played an integral role for Argentina as they ended their 36-year wait for the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
The Inter Miami attacker looks on course to become the only two players to have played in six World Cups, along with Cristiano Ronaldo. Regarded by many as the greatest of all time (GOAT), he still remains Argentina's best player even at the age of 38.
However, the former Barcelona superstar made an interesting claim when he was asked about the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has insisted that he does not want to be a burden and wants to feel good physically.
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Lionel Messi highlighted how the MLS season is different from European leagues, and he has to keep up his fitness during the off-season. The Argentine superstar told Spanish outlet SPORT:
"Yes, obviously yes, it is a special World Cup, it is special to play with the national team and more important, official competitions and more what a World Cup means and after having won it too. But a little bit what I was telling you, I don't want to be a burden, so to speak. I want to feel good physically, be sure that I can help and contribute things to the group, to the squad."
Messi added:
"Our season is different from Europe. We are going to have a preseason involved, few games until we reach the World Cup date and see on a day-to-day basis if I really feel good physically to be the way I would like to be and be able to participate. But obviously aware that it is a World Cup and it is special and that the World Cup is the biggest thing there is in terms of competition. So excited but carrying it with the day to day."
Lionel Messi has achieved everything in his career and is the most decorated footballer of all time with 46 trophies. Success in the World Cup eluded him for years, but he finally won the biggest piece of silverware in world football in 2022.
Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami plotting a move for highly-rated Barcelona target: Reports
Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami are reportedly preparing a move for Mexican sensation Gilberto Mora, also wanted by Barcelona. As reported by Spanish outlet SPORT, the 16-year-old is attracting interest from top clubs across Europe following his exploits for Xolos de Tijuana.
Inter Miami, on the other hand, are also looking to acquire the signings of some of the best young players from across the globe. And, they have reportedly set their sights on the Mexican attacking midfielder.
Mora has impressed for Mexico in the Under-20 World Cup in Chile, scoring three goals and providing two assists in four matches. He has made 44 senior appearances for Tijuana, already having scored seven goals and provided two assists.
The technically gifted attacker has also earned three caps for Mexico at the senior level and has also provided one assist. The versatile attacking midfielder is reportedly intrigued by the chance of playing alongside Lionel Messi.
