Argentine icon Lionel Messi has, on Thursday, provided an early insight into his chances of featuring for his country at the 2026 World Cup.
The subject of Messi’s future at international level, of course, has long represented a major talking point across world football.
This comes with the widespread assumption having been that, on the back of his triumph with Argentina at last year’s winter showpiece, the 36-year-old would soon call time on his Albiceleste career.
Since, however, Messi has made clear his intention to line out at next year’s Copa America, where Lionel Scaloni’s troops will defend their crown as South American champions.
And, if his latest comments are anything to go by, then, incredibly, it is not out of the question that the veteran attacker could follow up with an appearance at the World Cup in three years’ time, too.
Fresh off finding the net in Argentina’s qualifying opener, Messi was drawn on the chances of as much, during an exchange with the media.
“I want to arrive to the next Copa America in good condition, then I will see depending on how I am. I’m not thinking about the next World Cup yet. The years have passed and we have to see how I feel, I will see day by day.”
Leo Messi on next World Cup: “I want to arrive to the next Copa America in good condition then I will see depending on how I am”. 🏆🇦🇷
“I’m not thinking about the next World Cup yet. The years have passed and we have to see how I feel, I will see it day by day”, via @olgaenvivo. pic.twitter.com/NN3zuD6yav
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 21, 2023
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