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The Argentine star Lionel Messi cast doubt on his participation in the upcoming World Cup after Argentina's 3-0 victory against Venezuela.
In what could have been his last official match with the Albiceleste, the captain hinted that his presence at the World Cup is not guaranteed.
"I don't think I'll play in the next World Cup. Given my age, the most logical thing is that I won't make it," Messi stated at the end of the match.
Although he admitted he remains "enthusiastic" and "eager," he emphasized that his continuation will depend on how he feels physically over time.
During the press conference, Messi explained: "This year there have been many matches. I recently had a few days off, I came back and felt discomfort. Now I was able to play three consecutive matches. It's about taking it day by day, paying attention to how I feel."
He also stressed the importance of being honest with oneself and with one's physical condition: "When I feel good, I enjoy. And if I'm not feeling well, I have a hard time and I'd rather not be there."
When asked if he had made a definitive decision, the captain was clear: "No, not yet… What I’ve been saying, match after match." And although there are only nine months until the tournament, Messi acknowledged that "nine months go by very quickly, but at the same time, it's a lot."
"We'll finish the season at the end of the year; hopefully, we can be champions in the MLS. Then comes the preseason, and I'll have six months left. I'll see how I'm feeling," he concluded.
With these statements, the Argentine captain casts doubt on his future with the national team and raises uncertainty about his presence at the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
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