Lionel Messi Speaks on His Future, World Cup Hopes, and Retirement Plans
Football legend Lionel Messi has opened up about his future, addressing his retirement plans, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and his dream of ending his career in front of his home fans in Argentina.
Messi, who recently hinted that he is closer to the twilight of his career, said fulfilling his long-held desire to finish in Argentina is a dream come true.
“Being able to end this way here in Argentina is what I always dreamed of, to end it with my people. For many years I felt the love in Barcelona, and my dream was to have that here as well in my country, in Argentina,” Messi said.
Reflecting on his journey with the national team, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner expressed gratitude for both the struggles and successes.
“For many years a lot of things were said, but I choose to hold on to all the good things we did with the group that tried but couldn’t manage to win it all, and later it happened for me and a few others from the previous generation, and everything we lived was beautiful,” he added.
When asked about the possibility of featuring in another FIFA World Cup, Messi admitted that the 2022 edition in Qatar might have been his last, though he remains motivated as Argentina prepares for the upcoming tournament.
“Same as I said before about the World Cup that I don’t think I’ll play another… so because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it. But we are almost there so I’m excited and motivated to play it,” he noted.
On his approach to the remaining years of his career, Messi emphasized simplicity and consistency: “Like I always say, I go day by day, match by match. That’s it taking it day by day, going by how I feel.”
Messi, who delivered Argentina their long-awaited World Cup in 2022, continues to inspire fans worldwide as he navigates the final chapter of his illustrious career.
