Argentina striker and captain Lionel Messi said he has no plans to play for the team at the World Cup in 2026.
The World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Messi previously officially moved from PSG to U.S. club Inter Miami.
This was my last World Cup. I will see how things go, but in principle no, I will not go to the next World Cup. I would love to watch it, but I'm not going to play in it. After winning the World Cup, I'm satisfied with my career.
Messi, quoted by All About Argentina
Argentina defeated France (3-3, 4-2 on penalties) in the final of the 2022 World Cup. Argentina won the tournament for the third time in its history, having previously won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986.
Messi won the world championship for the first time in his career, and was named the best player of the tournament.
At the championship, the forward had seven games, seven goals and three assists. The tournament in Qatar was held from November 20 to December 18, 2022.