Argentinian forward Lionel Messi has announced plans to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Messi, in an interview with Polloalvarezok, noted that his participation in the World Cup depends on his physical fitness.
He mentioned that though he is coming to the brink of the end of his career as a player, the Inter Miami forward mentioned that “there’s still a lot of time left.”
“It depends on how I feel, how I am physically, and being realistic with myself,” he said.
“There’s still a lot of time left… in quotes, ‘a lot and a little,’ because it goes by quickly, but there is still some time, and I don’t know how I will be at that moment.”
The 2022 World Cup winner mentioned that age could play a factor in his decision to represent the South American nation at the competition.
“Age is also a reality that is there, even though it’s just a number,” he said.
“The matches I will play now aren’t the same as those I played when I was in Europe, competing every three days, either in the Champions League or in the league, whether in France or Spain.”
“But it depends on how I feel and what I feel being alongside my teammates and seeing if I am still up to the level or not. Let’s see!” Messi added.
The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. It will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The tournament will be the first hosted by three nations and the first North American World Cup since 1994. Argentina is the defending champion.
