Lionel Messi releases shocking update on his playing future
Legendary forward Lionel Messi has revealed he has no intention of retiring anytime soon, insisting he “can still play”.
Messi is widely considered to be the greatest soccer player of all time, cementing his legacy in recent years by winning the FIFA World Cup and winning the Copa America twice with Argentina. Messi, 37, is expected to retire sooner rather than later after winning everything there is to win in soccer (more than once) and leaving Europe to ply his trade with MLS side Inter Miami.
Concerns that Messi could retire soon were heightened after his incredible hat-trick in the 6-0 win over Bolivia last week. In a speech after the Vintage trip, Messi admitted that the recent October international match could be Argentina’s “last”.
The wide forward then released a statement of his own at Thursday’s ceremony, insisting that although he is not aiming to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he does intend to play for a few more years. “Just because I came to Inter Miami doesn’t mean I’m going to retire right away. I still have many years to play,” Messi told Spanish newspaper Marca.
“You’ll understand in the moment. I don’t like speeding up time or looking ahead. I try to enjoy every day. I play at this level to feel good and be happy. I hope I can keep going. When it’s my turn to do it.”I’m not aiming to play in the World Cup more than to play in the 2026 (World Cup) tournament. , I value living each day and being healthy. ”
If Messi takes part in the 2026 tournament, he will aim to become the first player to captain his country to two World Cups. Italy and Brazil have previously won two consecutive World Cups, with Italy’s Giampiero duo (1934) and Giuseppe Meazza (1938) and Brazil’s Hilderardo Bellini (1958) and Mauro Ramos. (1962) with a different captain.
