Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi has revealed that he will play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but only under certain circumstances.
The Argentine guided his national team to World Cup triumph in December, just one year after their 2021 Copa America success.
Read: Al Ahly star equals major Messi-Ronaldo CWC feat
Messi played a pivotal role in Argentina's victory in Qatar, scoring a goal in every round of the tournament and winning the Golden Ball award for being the best player at the showpiece.
Prior to the competition taking place, the 35-year-old said the 2022 World Cup would be his last, with his national team manager Lionel Scaloni later responding to that surprise statement by insisting that Messi can make it to the next World Cup if he wants.
It appears Scaloni's comments may have resonated with the PSG star, who has now stated that he would be keen to feature at the tournament set to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but only if he is feels he is up to it when it rolls around.
"Because of age, it'll be difficult to make 2026," the PSG star told Argentine publication Diario Ole.
"I love playing football and while I feel like I'm in good shape and enjoying this, I'm going to keep at it.
"It seems like a long time until the next World Cup, but it depends on how my career is going."
Playing in 2026 would give Messi the opportunity to become the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer – he is currently three strikes behind Germany legend Miroslav Klose's 16 goals.
Read: 55-year-old pro footballer joins his 15th club
Messi already holds the record for the most World Cup appearances (26), set when he played in the final against France in December.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH:
