By Jake Nisse
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Lionel Messi has made a surprising admission regarding his participation in the 2026 World Cup, with the Argentina star currently non-committal on his international playing future.
Messi, after netting a hattrick in front of his home fans this week against Bolivia, admitted that ‘these can be my last games.’
And on Thursday – as he was presented with the America legend award from Marca – the 37-year-old revealed that his happiness is a priority over playing in the next World Cup.
‘When I get to do what I love I am happy. I value that more than reaching the 2026 tournament,’ he said via ESPN. I haven’t set a goal to reach the World Cup, but more so to live day-to-day and be well.’
He added on his potential participation in the tournament in two years’ time, ‘In the moment, we will see. I don’t like to accelerate time or look ahead. I try to enjoy every day. I hope I can keep playing at this level to feel good and be happy.’
Lionel Messi was presented with Marca’s America legend award on Thursday in Miami
Messi scored a hat-trick for Argentina earlier this week but has been non-committal on his international future
Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, was in the stand as the Argentina star accepted his award
Of course, Messi played a massive role in helping Argentina lift the 2022 World Cup – their first since 1986.
Messi finished second in goals in Qatar with seven as his Argentina side ultimately beat France and Kylian Mbappe in the final.
On Thursday, Messi was accompanied by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, as he accepted the award from Marca.
Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas was also in attendance.
Miami will enter MLS’ postseason as the No. 1 seed in the East, though Messi has only appeared in 18 of his club’s 33 league games.
Nonetheless, he stands a good chance of winning the MVP award as he’s scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists.
Messi and Antonela shared a kiss onstage as Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas stood behind them
Messi arrived in Miami in the summer of 2023 in a blockbuster transfer for MLS, and insisted on Thursday that he didn’t view the as a chance to relax.
In fact, he led the club to its first trophy by winning the Leagues Cup last year.
‘The step I took to come here [to Inter Miami] didn’t mean retiring,’ he said. ‘We came here to try and keep making this team big, to help the development by winning titles which we have and we’re close to clinching more.’
Miami will face the New England Revolution in their final regular season game this weekend.
Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd
Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group
