Will Lionel Messi (38, Inter Miami) be able to step onto the World Cup stage next year?
Messi reflected on the 2014 and 2022 FIFA World Cups in an interview with Argentina's YouTube channel "Simplemente Futbol" conducted on the 18th (Korea time) in Miami, USA. He also mentioned the possibility of participating in the 2026 North American World Cup.
The Argentina national football team, led by Messi, reached the finals at the 2014 Brazil tournament but finished as runners-up after losing to Germany. However, they lifted the coveted trophy after defeating France at the 2022 Qatar tournament. Focus is now on whether Messi will participate in the 2026 North American World Cup.
Messi said, "We reached the finals of the (2014 World Cup), but (not winning) was painful for me," adding, "After later becoming champion (in the 2022 World Cup), everything was a bit easier to accept. I could have won two World Cups, but I have one World Cup trophy."
Messi noted regarding the World Cup to be held in the U.S. in 2026, "The World Cup is still far off, but it really comes quickly." He added, "This year will be an important year. I have to be able to keep playing and feel good about my physical condition. Last year, I couldn't properly start the preseason and had several injuries."
He also emphasized, "I had a good preseason this year, got off to a good start, and feel well. But the season is long. It continues until December, and there's also the Club World Cup. I want to take it day by day and check on my physical condition rather than making plans. I want to be honest with myself."
Argentina was the first to secure a spot in the finals of the 2026 World Cup through the South American qualifiers. Messi mentioned, "Now I'm just enjoying it. I have no more desires. But I still want to compete and win. That's my nature. I was raised that way," adding to the expectations.
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