Argentina's captain, Lionel Messi, has cast doubt on his participation in the 2026 World Cup, stating he will "see if I can be at one hundred percent" to decide if he will compete in the tournament to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In an interview with the American network NBC, the Argentine star not only spoke about the next World Cup, a competition where La Albiceleste will seek to defend the title won in Qatar 2022, but also mentioned several standout athletes from various disciplines outside of football.
"What I went through and what I endured to achieve that was the dream of my life, and it all came true," Messi said. "I have a huge desire because it's a World Cup. It's extraordinary to be at a World Cup, and I would like to be here, to feel good and to feel part of the national team if I make it."
"Obviously for us Argentines, Diego Maradona was always our greatest idol and the object of our admiration for everything he represented, although I was very young and saw him play live little, Diego transcended everything," he noted.
In the same vein, Messi named other greats from other sports. "What I went through with my family, my people, and Argentina," he affirmed.
On another note, the Rosario native extended his contract with Inter Miami until 2028, making it clear that he is in great physical shape. "I felt very well throughout the year, I feel happy living in Miami just like my family," he acknowledged.
Finally, 'La Pulga' was asked about childhood idols who marked him and did not hesitate to answer. "I have always said that I base it on how I am, on a day-to-day basis, on how I feel physically and mentally to keep playing and to keep being part of this club."
"To talk about another sport, the same happened with Michael Jordan, tennis players like Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic, the three of them made the competition much bigger than it was. I will evaluate it day by day in the pre-season with Inter, see if I can be at one hundred percent, be useful to the group, and then I will make a decision."
Although initially, the idea of seeing Messi with the national team in another World Cup after the one won in the Arab country seemed complicated due to his age, the truth is that there are just over seven months left to enjoy the '10' in another edition of the most important tournament for national teams.
Recalling that World Cup where they defeated France in a historic final, the current Inter Miami player pointed out what it meant to lift that trophy. "We just won the last one and being able to defend it on the field would be spectacular, because it is always a dream to play with the national team," began the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player.
"It's going to be spectacular. In basketball, LeBron James or Stephen Curry, players who gave a lot to the sport they do, each in their own way."
In the current Major League Soccer (MLS) season, the US league, he has scored 29 goals and provided 16 assists in 28 matches played.
