Messi not planning to play at 2026 World Cup
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."
Related articles
Swiatek dominates to earn her 3rd Italian Open title and heads to French Open as the big favorite
ROME (AP) — If Iga Swiatek can keep up her form, it’s hard to imagine anyone preventing her from win2024-05-19Spring outing popular among Chinese people: survey
(Xinhua) 13:21, April 12, 2024BEIJING, April 12 (Xinhua) -- A survey conducted by China Youth Daily2024-05-19World AI conference concludes in Shanghai with fruitful results
(Xinhua) 10:08, July 10, 2023SHANGHAI, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The 2023 World Artificial Intelligence Con2024-05-19China launches new remote sensing satellite
(Xinhua) 10:32, October 05, 2023A Long March-2D carrier rocket carrying the satellite Yaogan-39 blas2024-05-19Framing growing cultural connections
Near the Forbidden City lies a quaint courtyard with gray brick walls, crimson columns and old trees2024-05-19China launches new remote sensing satellite
(Xinhua) 10:32, October 05, 2023A Long March-2D carrier rocket carrying the satellite Yaogan-39 blas2024-05-19
atest comment