Current location:Worldly Wisdom news portal > opinions
Messi not planning to play at 2026 World Cup
Worldly Wisdom news portal2024-05-21 18:18:29【opinions】6People have gathered around
IntroductionLionel Messi said he "doesn't think" he will play at another World Cup in an interview with Chinese
Lionel Messi said he "doesn't think" he will play at another World Cup in an interview with Chinese media on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old led Argentina to victory at last year's tournament in Qatar, and immediately after that triumph refused to rule out playing in the 2026 finals in North America.
However, when asked by China's Titan Sports in a video interview if he might feature at the 2026 tournament, Messi replied: "I have said several times before that I don't think so, that (2022) was my last World Cup.
"I will see how things go, but in theory I don't think I will be around for the next World Cup," he added in Spanish.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is currently in Beijing where Argentina will play a friendly against Australia on Thursday.
Earlier this year, Messi said it would be "very difficult" for him to play at another World Cup. He will turn 39 during the 2026 edition.
Argentina will play Thursday's friendly against Australia at the 68,000-capacity Workers' Stadium in Beijing. The match is a repeat of the last-16 tie between the teams at the World Cup in Doha, which Argentina won 2-1.
Garnacho debut
Meanwhile, Manchester United striker Alejandro Garnacho is looking forward to his debut with Argentina, saying his decision to represent the South American country is final.
Born in Spain to an Argentine mother, the 18-year-old told TyC Sports on Monday: "I feel Argentinian, I am Argentinian. They bet on me and it was clear to me. It's a very big national team, a very good opportunity and my whole family is very happy."
Address of this article:http://belgium.claboston.org/article-16a399908.html
Very good!(98245)
Related articles
- Jessica Biel CHOPS her long locks into a bob after book signing in Studio City
- 706 people named Kyle got together in Texas. It wasn’t enough for a world record.
- Justin Rose is back in the mix at a major following a brilliant 7
- Giuliani served indictment papers while leaving 80th birthday
- Everybody may love Raymond, but Ray Romano loves Peter Boyle
- Messi in starting lineup for Inter Miami's match against DC United
- Giuliani served indictment papers while leaving 80th birthday
- South China's Beijiang River sees second flood this year
- What a blast to work at NASA. Space agency is sky
- Militia clashes rock western Libyan town. At least 1 civilian was killed, officials say
Popular articles
Recommended
Medics remove 150 MAGGOTS from a woman's mouth after dental procedure left her with rotting tissue
NBA legend Paul Pierce taken to hospital with gruesome injury
Woman held on suspicion of assault after launching 20
Gaza: US, international volunteer doctors trapped in hospital by Israeli assault
Four people killed in a house explosion in southwestern Missouri
Anya Taylor
Bengaluru knocks out champion Chennai and squeezes into IPL playoffs
China supports punishing serious int'l crimes to maintain peace, security
Links
- NZ missing out, lawyers say as visas for wealthy investors plummet
- UN Security Council passes resolution calling for Gaza ceasefire
- War a real threat and Europe not ready, warns Poland's PM
- US House passes bill that could ban TikTok nationwide
- US call at UN for Gaza truce linked to hostages blocked
- US: China strengthens Russian war machine with surging equipment sales
- Staff shortages holding up prison improvements
- Fashion designer Kate Sylvester to close the business after three decades
- Israel approves plan to attack Rafah but keeps truce hopes alive
- 'They cruise, we lose'