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Despite Wanting to Retire, Lionel Messi Makes Huge U-Turn as He Responds to Playing at 2026 FIFA World Cup in USA

Published 11/03/2023, 10:22 PM EDT

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via Reuters

Lionel Messi has won every major trophy in soccer after winning the World Cup in Qatar. There were rumors that Messi would announce retirement from the national team. However, he has continued to play and do well in the World Cup qualifiers. The soccer veteran’s recent comments seemed to have shone some positive light, despite him deeming it to be ‘difficult‘.

The Inter Miami star will hope to do well in the games against Uruguay and Brazil in the next month. However, at the moment, he continues to train with Inter Miami and spend time with his family.

Lionel Messi takes a huge call to play in the 2026 World Cup

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At the age of 36, Lionel Messi continues to contribute goals and assists for the Argentina national team. This is despite his injury issues after moving to Inter Miami. Despite his brilliant form for the international team, rumors about his international retirement continue to make the headlines. Hence, in an interview, the Argentinian himself has addressed the situation. It looks like he has made a huge U-turn on potential retirement.

Speaking to L’Equipe, about his future with the international team, Lionel Messi said, “The 2026 World Cup? Considering the age I will be at that time, it seems difficult — but we’ll see”. This statement could mean that soccer fans could see Lionel Messi playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The World Cup is set to take part in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

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It is now important for the Inter Miami star to prove his fitness in the upcoming games for the country. The Copa America next year will also play an important role in determining the future of Lionel Messi.

Expectations are always sky-high when Lionel Messi is around

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Lionel Messi has a very important next year for his club. The Argentinian will play his first full season for Inter Miami in the MLS. There are high expectations that he will have plenty of goals and assists. Many soccer experts are also backing Inter Miami to finish in the playoffs next season. The Inter Miami star has already proven his worth by scoring plenty of goals and assists and helping Inter Miami reach the final of US Open Cup final. He has already scored 11 goals and 5 assists in 14 matches for the Herons.

Along with club responsibilities, he will also have to help the national team retain their Copa America trophy next year. These upcoming games should determine his impact on the national team for the long-term future.

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Soccer fans are rooting for another Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo on the international circuit one last time. So the big question will Lionel Messi extend his international career till the 2026 World Cup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Watch this story: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space

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Written by:

Anuj Nikhil Virjiani

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Anuj Virjiani is a soccer writer at Essentially Sports. With a fervent passion for the sport, especially the English Premier League, Anuj has meticulously cultivated his expertise in dissecting the game's technical intricacies and strategic nuances, both on and off the field. Anuj's cherished club is, interestingly, Newcastle United, and he has closely followed and analyzed the club's journey through its highs and lows, and enjoyed witnessing their triumphant promotion from the second tier, their recent takeover, and the remarkable qualification for the Champions League last season.
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Edited by:

Daniel D'Cruz