Messi made it clear on Tuesday that he does not intend to represent Argentina at the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
Lionel Messi confirmed that he had played his final FIFA World Cup game just a few days after he signed a record-breaking deal and moved to Inter Miami.
He stated on Tuesday that he does not intend to represent Argentina at the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
In December last year, Messi had driven La Albiceleste to a World Cup magnificence in what was his fifth appearance in the competition.
It was Argentina’s first World Cup title since the legendary Diego Maradona had won it in 1986. This was Argentina’s third World Cup title. In 1978, they had won their first game.
Even though Messi had previously stated that the Qatar World Cup would be his final competition, teammates, and coach Lionel Scaloni remained hopeful.
That things would change and their most-capped player and leading goal scorer would be selected for the 2026 tournament, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or victor played had a significant impact in Argentina’s title run in 2022. Where he scored seven objectives and turned into the just ever player to score.
In each round of a World Cup version starting from the presentation of Round of 16 out of 1986.
Two of his seven goals came in the championship match against France. Which went down to the wire and ended in penalties.
He was awarded the Golden Ball for his efforts. Making him the first player in World Cup history to win it twice. He also won it in 2014, when Argentina finished as runners-up.
The 35-year-old is currently in China for an international friendly against Argentina. On Thursday, Argentina will play Australia, and on Monday, they will play Indonesia.