As doubts about Lionel Messi crept in, Luis Suarez clarified that Messi would play in the World Cup 2026, and this news has sent fans into a state of massive joy.
The owner of Inter Miami hinted that Messi would be part of the defending champions, but the news from Suarez has made it crystal clear that the football superstar will be part of Argentina’s World Cup plans.
Luis Suarez’s Views About Messi’s Retirement
In a recent interview, Luis Suarez, a former team member of Messi, was open about Messi and Suarez’s retirement plans.
Suarez stated that they talked about it jokingly but had never been serious about it. Suarez clarified that Messi has been open about it and wants to be part of the World Cup 2026.
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Hints About Messi Playing the 2026 World Cup
Lionel Messi plays his club football for Inter Miami, and Jorge Mas, the owner of Inter Miami, claimed that Messi’s contract renewal depends on his health and fitness.
Also, Mas made it clear that Messi is more than keen to play in the World Cup, and his contract renewal with Inter Miami depends upon his desire to be part of the club.
Messi’s Desire to Compete
Messi will be 38 years old by the time the 2026 FIFA World Cup is played. What’s interesting is that Messi has kept himself fit even when he is closer to 40.
If Lionel Messi competes in the 2026 edition of the World Cup, it will be his sixth appearance and also the highest for any football player.
Interestingly, Messi started his World Cup journey as a teenager in 2006, and since then, he has been the leader of the Argentina football team. Given his current form and goal-scoring ability, Messi is keen to defend the title for his country.
As Messi missed two games in the World Cup qualifiers, it was evident that he was keen to be part of the Argentina team. Therefore, fans saw him in the international fixtures of the October-November break.
Argentina Coach’s View About Messi Being Part Of The World Cup
The World Cup is a very demanding tournament, and Argentina’s coach knows about it. After Argentina qualified for the 2026 World Cup, Scaloni talked about it.
He stated that Messi would have full rights, whether he wanted to be part of the World Cup squad or not. Lionel also said that pressuring Messi all through the year to play the mega event will not be a good thing to do.
He also said to leave Messi alone and see what the future held. Scaloni wants Messi to decide for himself and let the fans and coaching staff put no pressure on the great player.
Argentina Are The Defending Champions
Messi will play in the 2026 World Cup, and this news will help the country defend its title run. The 2022 FIFA World Cup was a dream come true.
They were crowned champions, and Messi received the silverware for the first time. The final was played between Argentina and France, and both teams looked strong.
By the end of full time, the score read 3-3, but Argentina won the title in the penalties with the scoreline of 4-2. If they are to defend the title once again, Argentina will have to play out of their skin and make it happen. Messi will be a key part of their title defense.
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