Lionel Messi: This season will remain the most memorable in Lionel Messi’s career. He reached the milestone by winning the World Cup 2022. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni previously said that if Leo Messi wants to keep playing in the 2026 World Cup, there will always be a place for him. Messi also said that this was not the end of the journey for him with Argentina. However, as he announced his move to the MLS side Inter Miami a few days ago, he also revealed that he ‘won’t go’ to the 2026 World Cup. Follow International Friendlies LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
Lionel Messi has ticked off every trophy he wished to win in his career in 2022. To touch that dream, he has gone through several heartbreaks. However, it seems that he is finally content with his achievements with Argentina. He recently travelled to China for Argentina’s friendly matches. There, he told an outlet about his plans for the World Cup 2026. He said, “I think not. This was my last World Cup. I’ll see how things go, but not in principle, I won’t go to the next World Cup.”
The 2022-23 season has been full of ups and downs for Leo Messi. The first half of the season at PSG was going average for the Argentine. However, as the Qatar World Cup 2022 approached, Messi and Co. were ready with all their might. They had the record in their favour as they were approaching the World Cup with a 36-match unbeaten streak. A defeat in the very first match of the campaign was a punch in the gut. However, the road was all uphill from there.
They reached the peak of their journey by beating France in penalty shootouts in the most dramatic final. Messi gave some amazing performances throughout the tournament which helped Argentina win. He received the Golden Ball trophy for his hard work. After the tournament, he was asked whether the fans have seen the last of him in the Argentina shirt. He replied it wasn’t the end of the journey for him. Coach Lionel Scaloni also confirmed that if Messi wants to keep playing, he will always have a place in the team.
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Scaloni said, “We have the door open for him and if we see no, we’ll look for an alternative. I hope he makes it to the next World Cup, I can see him there, but I think the first thing is to qualify.” The words gave hope to many fans that they will be able to see him another time in the World Cup. However, it now seems that Messi will not be playing in the next World Cup. Messi recently moved to the country which is set to hold the World Cup 2026.
United States of America is set to host the World Cup 2026 along with Canada and Mexico. Messi recently joined Inter Miami in Florida, which is co-owned by the legendary former England player David Beckham. While knowing the terrain could help him in the World Cup, Messi still ruled out his chances of playing. However, the World Cup is still 3 years away and he still remains a part of the Argentina squad for now.
They will play against Australia and Indonesia in China in a few days before heading for World Cup qualifiers in September. Messi is set to start against Australia on 15th June. However, as per reports, he will not be travelling to Indonesia for their second friendly on 19th June.
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