Lionel Messi says he hopes to play for Argentina in next year’s FIFA World Cup but will first assess his physical condition before making a final decision.

The 38-year-old Inter Miami forward, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, said he dreams of helping the Albiceleste defend their title in North America, where the United States, Mexico, and Canada will co-host the tournament.

Speaking in an interview with NBC News aired on Monday, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said, “It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to. I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there.”

Messi, who turns 39 next June, added that he would evaluate his readiness during Inter Miami’s preseason next year before deciding.He stated, “I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group, to the national team, and then make a decision.”

The Argentine captain, who began his professional career in 2004, said the opportunity to play another World Cup would be a dream come true.

“I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last World Cup and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions,” he added.Messi, who made his senior debut for Barcelona at age 17, joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before moving to Major League Soccer in 2023.

Reflecting on life in the United States, Messi said he has settled well in Miami.

“The truth is that I like everything about living here. I spent a lot of time in Barcelona, which for me is an extraordinary city where I grew up and had many spectacular moments, and which we miss a lot. But Miami is a city that allows us to live very well, enjoy life, be calm, and let the kids be themselves,” he said.

Messi, Argentina’s all-time leading scorer, has made 195 appearances for the national team, netting 114 goals.

AFP

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