Argentina’s talisman Lionel Messi has claimed he won’t play in the next 2026 FIFA World Cup. Messi became a World Cup champion when he led Argentina to glory in the 2022 World Cup, which was played in Qatar.

Messi went to fulfill his dream as he won the World Cup after Argentina defeated France on penalties in the finals and the veteran squashed retirement reports, stating he still wants to continue playing as a World Cup champion.

However, Messi had earlier said that the 2022 World Cup will be his last and he is likely to stay true to his words. Messi will be 39 in the next World Cup and he is likely to call it a day from International football before 2026.

“I think not. This was my last World Cup,” Messi told Chinese outlet Titan Sports ahead of Argentina’s friendly against Australia in Beijing.

“I’ll see how things go but in principle, I won’t go to the next World Cup.”

Earlier, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni had revealed he has doors open for Messi for the next World Cup.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Messi had a great run in FIFA World Cup 2022, scoring seven goals and providing three assists. He also scored a goal and provided an assist in the all-important semi-final against Croatia. Messi then scored a brace against France in the final and took his team to the historic win.

Messi left Paris Saint-Germain after spending two years with the Parisians. The 35-year-old has now moved to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. The veteran also had offers from Barcelona and Al Hilal of the Saudi Pro League.