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Lionel Messi has opened up about potentially playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He said that he is enthusiastic about it and is hoping to play and contribute to Argentina.
Lionel Messi led La Albiceleste to their third World Cup trophy at the 2022 edition in Qatar. There has been a lot of speculation about whether the 38-year-old will feature in the 2026 edition. Argentina have already qualified for the tournament, which will take place in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
In an interview with Fabrizio Romano for 433, the Inter Miami star said (h/t AS):
“My desire and enthusiasm to be able to be there are more than clear and I have a lot of them, but I want to feel good to try to contribute and be important, I think it comes down to that, being physically well and sure that I can perform at the highest level.”
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Argentina finished atop the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, nine points above second-placed Ecuador. Lionel Messi was the top scorer with eight goals.
The former Barcelona star has been in prolific form at the club level as well. He has registered 40 goals and 19 assists in 45 games across competitions for Inter Miami, helping them reach the MLS playoffs.
Lionel Messi says playing with Argentina is "special"
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner also shared that it would be special to feature in another World Cup with Argentina. Lionel Messi has played in five World Cups, winning the Golden Ball twice.
In the aforementioned interview, he said:
“Playing with the national team is always special, it’s the ultimate, especially in official competitions and a World Cup, with everything that entails. And I think it’s going to be a special World Cup because, being in the United States, I think that organizationally, beyond the long trips if you have to go and play different matches in Canada or Mexico, those are going to be very long trips."
"But organizationally, it’s going to be something extraordinary. But I tell you, it would be wonderful to be able to be in another World Cup and defend the championship that we were lucky enough to win and be able to participate in one more," he added.
Lionel Messi has scored 114 goals and provided 63 assists in 195 games across competitions for Argentina. He's won the World Cup and two Copa America trophies with them, among other honors.
