Lionel Messi has revealed he hasn’t ruled himself out of the next FIFA World Cup in 2026. The Argentine became the World champion as La Albiceleste lifted the coveted trophy in Qatar after beating France in the final on penalty shootout in December 2022.

Messi was the star of the show for Lionel Scaloni’s team as he scored seven goals and provided three assists in the quadrennial event to lead his team to glory and their third World Cup title.

Thus, Messi was awarded the Golden Ball award for his consistent performances. Meanwhile, before the World Cup, Messi had admitted that it is going to be his last World Cup event for the national team. After winning the big prize, Messi revealed he has no immediate plans of retirement and wants to play as a world champion.

Messi has now revealed that his decision to play in the 2026 World Cup will depend on how his career is going at that stage.

“Because of age it’ll be difficult to make 2026,” Messi, 35, told Diario Ole, a sports newspaper in Argentina. “I love playing football and while I feel like I’m in good shape and enjoying this, I’m going to keep at it. It seems like a long time until the next World Cup, but it depends on how my career is going.”

On the other hand, Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni had earlier said that Messi can make it to the next World Cup and the doors will always be open for him.

“I think Messi can make it to the next World Cup,” Scaloni told Spanish radio Calvia FM last month. “It will depend a lot on what he wants and what happens over time, that he feels good. The doors will always be open. He is happy on the pitch, and for us (it) would be good.”