PSG and Argentina icon Lionel Messi has refused to rule out playing all the way until the 2026 World Cup.
In the build-up to the 2022 tournament in Qatar, Messi claimed he would not make it until 2026 and reiterated before the final, which his Argentina side won against France, that he would not play another World Cup match after that.
After the tournament, Messi has now admitted that he cannot rule out making the Argentina squad in 2026.
“I don’t know, I’ve always said that because of the age I find it very difficult,” said Ole. “I love playing football, I love what I do and if I feel good and feel good physically and continue to enjoy it, I will do it. But it seems difficult.
“I’m telling you… I’m not ahead of anything. I’m repeating it and I’ll repeat it. Given the age and the time, I think it’s difficult. But it depends on how my career develops.”
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has promised to leave the decision up to Messi.
“I think Messi can make it to the next World Cup,” he told Radio Calvia. “It will depend a lot on what he wants, on whether he feels good.
“The door will always be open. He is happy on the pitch and it would be very nice for us.”
At club level, Messi has a decision to make as his contract with Paris Saint-Germain approaches.
Messi has the option to extend his contract, which is due to expire in the summer, by another 12 months, but PSG want to lock him up completely with a new deal and have reached broad agreement on another similar deal.
However, 90min understands Messi is yet to decide whether to sign or not, with Barcelona pushing for a reunion and Inter Miami hoping to lure him to Major League Soccer.
