Argentina captain Lionel Messi has called the MLS a "minor league" following his free-agent switch to Inter Miami in the United States.
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The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's arrival in the US has boosted the profile of the country's top division significantly as he prepares for his first full season with his new team in 2024.
Messi joined the Herons in July and has since made just six league appearances for the club, with the Leagues Cup having been ongoing at the time of his welcome in North America.
Questions have been asked about whether or not the 36-year-old will be able to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the US, Canada and Mexico, with the former Barcelona captain having previously said the 2022 edition would be his last.
The Argentine has now addressed the possibility of playing at the World Cup again in three years' time, admitting that the level of the MLS could ultimately be a deciding factor.
"I said it several times and it is a reality – I will always try to compete to the maximum and I am the first to know when I can be there and when I can't," he told Star+.
"I am also aware that I went to a minor league, but a lot happens because of the way one faces it and competes."
Messi, for now at least, appears solely focused on captaining his nation at the 2024 Copa America.
"As long as I feel that I'm fine and I can continue contributing, I'm going to do it," he said.
"Today, the only thing I think about is getting to the Copa America well and being able to compete in it. Fighting it again like we always did, trying to be champions."
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The ex-Paris Saint-Germain forward scored 11 goals and assisted five strikes in 14 matches in his debut campaign with Inter Miami.
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