New Delhi, October 28 (Udaipur Kiran): Argentina’s legendary footballer Lionel Messi has once again raised hopes among his fans that he might feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the 39-year-old clarified that his age and fitness will ultimately determine whether he takes the field to defend Argentina’s 2022 World Cup title.
Messi, who will turn 39 in June next year, recently extended his contract with Inter Miami until 2028, suggesting that retirement is not yet on his mind. Speaking to the media, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said, “Playing in a World Cup is something extraordinary, and I would love to be part of it. I want to be there, stay fit, and be useful to my team. But I will assess my condition when the pre-season begins next year and then make the final decision.”
Reflecting on Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory, Messi said, “We’ve already won the last World Cup, and getting the chance to defend that title would be amazing. Every player dreams of representing their country in a World Cup — and for me, it’s always been a dream.”
Over his illustrious 20-year career, Messi has played for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and now Inter Miami, where his arrival in 2023 revitalized Major League Soccer (MLS), particularly as North America prepares to host the 2026 World Cup.
After years of heartbreak at the international level, Messi finally lifted major trophies with the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where Argentina defeated France 4–2 in a penalty shootout.
“That was the dream of my life,” Messi said, recalling his World Cup triumph. “It was the only thing missing from my career because I had achieved almost everything at the club and individual levels.”
So far, Messi has scored 114 goals in 195 international appearances for Argentina. If he participates in the 2026 World Cup, it would mark his sixth appearance in football’s biggest tournament — a historic milestone in the sport’s history.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
