Inter Miami and Argentina attacker Lionel Messi has conceded that he does not expect to play at the 2026 World Cup to help La Albiceleste defend their title.
The 35-year-old ended over a decade of heartbreak on the biggest international stage in Qatar to propel Argentina to their first World Cup crown since 1986.
Messi came up with seven goals and three assists in the Middle East as Lionel Scaloni's men bested France on penalties following an astonishing final, during which the attacker scored twice in a 3-3 draw after 120 minutes before collecting the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker decided not to hang up his international boots after his triumphant World Cup exploits, seemingly leaving the door open to a swansong at the 2026 tournament, which will be held in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Messi will celebrate his 39th birthday during the next World Cup cycle, but the Argentine believes that the 2022 edition was "in principle" his final World Cup appearance.
© Reuters
"I think not. This was my last World Cup. I'll see how things go, but in principle no, I won't go to the next World Cup," Messi told Chinese outlet Titan Sports
Despite all but ruling himself out of the 2026 tournament, Messi already holds several statistical records at the World Cup, including being the only player to win the Golden Ball more than once.
Messi's 26 appearances at a World Cup finals is also the most of any male player in history, while he sits joint fourth in the men's goalscoring charts with 13 goals to his name.
The 35-year-old's tally is matched by France's Just Fontaine, while only Miroslav Klose (16), Ronaldo (15) and Gerd Muller (14) boast more in the men's World Cup.
Messi also set up goals in all of the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments - no other player has assists in five separate editions - and the Inter Miami man remains a prominent member of the Argentina setup for the time being.
© Reuters
During La Albiceleste's pair of friendly wins over Panama and Curacao in March, Messi scored a total of four goals, including a hat-trick in a 7-0 win over the latter.
Messi took his tally to 103 goals for Argentina in Thursday's friendly with Australia, scoring the opener with just two minutes in the clock in a 2-0 success for the world champions.
Ahead of his permanent switch to MLS, Messi prepares to leave Europe after scoring 32 goals and setting up 35 more in 75 PSG appearances, winning two Ligue 1 titles in the process.
The 35-year-old snubbed interest from Saudi Arabia to join Inter Miami, while Barcelona also tried to facilitate an audacious reunion but failed due to their financial situation.
Ben Knapton
