Lionel Messi says that he is unsure whether he will be able to help Argentina try defending their title as world champions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Between June and July of 2026, the world's biggest sporting event will taking place across three nations for the first time ever when the United States of America, Canada and Mexico host the 23rd edition of the World Cup.
La Albiceleste won the last iteration of the tournament in Qatar, in large part due to their talisman and icon Messi. It was the diminutive attacker's second international trophy, after he won his first during the 2021 Copa America.
Earlier this year, Argentina defeated Colombia in the United States of America to retain their continental title and with the 2026 World Cup final set to be held in New York, he could also help his nation keep ahold of their world championship crown in the same nation.
While that would undoubtedly be an extraordinary accomplishment, even by his lofty standards, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner claims he doesn't know if he will be able to play at the competition.
"I don't know [if I will play in the 2026 World Cup], they ask me a lot, especially in Argentina," he told 433.
"I hope to finish this year well, and start the year having a good preseason, which I didn't have last year due to all the trips we had.
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"From there, I will see how I am doing and feeling. We are close, but at the same time it's a lot of time and anything can happen in football. I don't think, simply living the day to day without thinking beyond."