Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has expressed his strong desire to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, where Argentina will defend their 2022 title.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who will be 38, acknowledges that his participation and role will depend on his age and physical condition.
Messi, who recently extended his contract with MLS club Inter Miami until 2028, told NBC News that he plans to evaluate his fitness during the next preseason to determine if he can be at 100 percent and "be useful" to the team.
He emphasized his eagerness to defend the World Cup, calling the 2022 victory the "dream of my life" and the last major honour missing from his career. If he plays, the 2026 tournament across the United States, Mexico, and Canada would mark his sixth World Cup appearance.
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