Argentina captain Lionel Messi says he hopes to represent his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but will make a final decision based on how his body feels ahead of the tournament.
Speaking to NBC News, the 38-year-old Inter Miami star said he dreams of defending Argentina’s title next year in the competition co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
«It’s something extraordinary to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,» Messi said. «But I’ll see how I feel during preseason next year and decide whether I can really be 100% and useful to the team.»
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar 2022, emphasized that he remains eager to play but wants to make a realistic choice as he nears 39.
Messi, who has scored 114 goals in 195 appearances for Argentina, joined Inter Miami in 2023 after spells with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. He said he enjoys life in Miami, calling it «a city that allows us to live calmly and enjoy each day.»
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Austin Reaves delivered a sensational performance with a career-high 51 points as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Sacramento Kings 127-120 on Sunday night, despite missing injured stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
