14-6-2023 (BEIJING) Lionel Messi confirmed on Tuesday (Jun 13) that he believes he won’t participate in another World Cup, according to an interview with Chinese media. The 35-year-old, who led Argentina to victory in last year’s tournament in Qatar, expressed his doubts about featuring in the 2026 tournament in North America.
“I have said several times before that I don’t think so, that that (2022) was my last World Cup,” Messi stated during a video interview with China’s Titan Sports. The interview was published on the Kuaishou app. When asked about the possibility of playing in the next World Cup, he responded in Spanish, “I will see how things go but in theory I don’t think I will be around for the next World Cup.”
Currently in Beijing, where Argentina is scheduled to play a friendly match against Australia on Thursday, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner shared his thoughts on the subject. Earlier this year, Messi had already mentioned to Argentinian newspaper Ole that it would be “very difficult” for him to participate in another World Cup, considering he will turn 39 during the next tournament.
Recently, Messi announced his move to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami after his two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) ended.
The upcoming friendly between Argentina and Australia will take place at Beijing’s Workers’ Stadium, which has a capacity of 68,000 spectators. This match will be a repeat of their last-16 encounter at the World Cup in Doha, where Argentina emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline.
With Chinese fans eager to watch the former Barcelona star in action, tickets have been rapidly sold out despite prices reaching up to 4,800 Yuan (US$671).
