Lionel Messi remains open to playing in the 2026 World Cup, but he is also non-committal and taking it day-to-day. Messi will turn 38 during the tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“The truth is that when you start thinking about it, it’s a long time away but at the same time it’s going to pass quickly, no?,” Messi said in an interview with Simplemente Futbol.
“For me this year is going to be important (for the World Cup), to be able to play with continuity, to feel good. Last year I joined up for pre-season and started a couple of games, then had to miss a few games through injuries or not feeling 100 per cent. This time pre-season has been good, I’ve started well and I feel good.
“It’s a long season. It’s started now and runs through to December without a break in June, on top of that we have the Club World Cup in June as well, another competition. There are lots of games.”
“I think about it and wait and see but I don’t want to set that goal either,” he added. “I’ll take it day by day and see how I feel physically above all else, and be honest with myself too.”