Lionel Messi: I value happiness over reaching 2026 World Cup

Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi has said he wants to prioritize happiness over reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Messi had earlier said that the 2022 World Cup would be his last but recently said he is keeping the doors open.

The talisman scored a hat-trick against Bolivia and also provided two assists in Argentina’s astounding 6-0 win. After the match, Messi admitted that these could be hi last matches for the national team.

“In the moment, we will see,” Messi said Thursday after receiving the America legend award from Spanish publication Marca. “I don’t like to accelerate time or look ahead. I try to enjoy every day. I hope I can keep playing at this level to feel good and be happy.

“When I get to do what I love, I am happy. I value that more than reaching the 2026 tournament. I haven’t set a goal to reach the World Cup, but more so to live day-to-day and be well.”

Meanwhile, Messi moved to Inter Miami after his two-year stint with Paris Saint Germain. Messi said he wants to take the club to new heights.

“The step I took to come here [to Inter Miami] didn’t mean retiring,” he said. “We came here to try and keep making this team big, to help the development by winning titles, which we have and we’re close to clinching more.”

Messi played an instrumental role in taking Inter Miami to a Major League Soccer Supporters’ Shield triumph.

Meanwhile, Messi has scored six goals and has provided two assists in seven matches of the World Cup qualifiers. Messi has been in stellar form for Inter Miami as he has scored 17 goals and further assisted 10 more in 18 matches of the 2024 MLS season.