The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has again affirmed that he has no plans of participating in the 2026 World Cup.
Having previously stated that the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar could be his last, Lionel Messi has again maintained his stance even after his triumph at the last World Cup.
The Argentine Superstar and World Cup winner was quoted saying,
“After I achieved the World Cup that I was missing, I am satisfied and grateful for the career I have made, and this is what is most important to me,” Messi said to the Chinese media.
“As I said earlier, I don’t think I will participate in the next World Cup. I haven’t changed my mind about that. I’d like to be there to watch it, but I’m not going to participate.”
Messi’s exceptional performances led the Albiceleste to triumph in Qatar, securing global glory and completing his outstanding medal collection.
Prior to the tournament, the 35-year-old hinted that he would not return for another World Cup, and he has now reaffirmed this position after disclosing his imminent move to the United States to join the MLS franchise Inter Miami.
Expressing satisfaction with his football career, Messi said that attaining individual accolades like the Ballon d’Or no longer bothers him, given his impressive record of winning the prestigious award on seven occasions in the past.
“Ballon d’Or? At this point in my career, if it comes, it’s good, and if it doesn’t, nothing happens,” he said.
Following the conclusion of his two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the 2022/23 football season, Lionel Messi has now inked a fresh deal with Inter Miami, a Major League Soccer club based in the United States.
