argentina star Lionel Messi Told ESPN that there is a possibility that he will not be able to play here 2026 world cupHowever, he said he still had a desire to do so.
Messi spoke in a wide-ranging interview which saw him Praise your former boss Pep Guardiola discuss further argentinaWorld Cup prospects and inter miamiUpcoming MLS Cup Final.
However, when asked what the chances were that he would not be at the World Cup, he reiterated his desire to be there, but stopped short of confirming that he would play.
The 38-year-old player had earlier said that he will play as long as his body supports him.
“I hope I can be there. I have already said that I would love to be there,” Messi said. He added, “Worst case scenario, I’ll be there watching it live, but it will be special.
“The World Cup is special for everyone, for any country – especially for us, because we live it in a completely different way.”
Messi’s last major honor came in 2022 when he guided Argentina to the last Men’s World Cup in Qatar.
He will turn 39 during next summer’s tournament.
“The truth is that we have exceptional players, and that has shown over the years – especially since the desire and enthusiasm [Lionel] Scaloni took over,” Messi said.
“Everyone has a mentality. This is a team full of winners with a strong mentality, who want to win more, and it’s contagious. You see it in training, in matches. You see them training and they give everything.”
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“We are an amazing group that gets along very well, but in training matches or certain practices, if they have to work hard, they work hard. Everyone gives their all, and that’s a big strength of this group and this national team.
“Scaloni and his staff created it all. The day-to-day atmosphere comes from them.
“New players keep coming up; in addition to the players who are already there, new faces keep coming in. When a group is like that, it’s easier for new people to fit in.
“Argentina needs to take advantage of this moment. Coming from winning the World Cup gives you confidence and relief to prepare for competitions in a different way.”
Argentina will be in Pot 1 for Friday’s World Cup draw, which is scheduled to take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
