Last Updated: December 02, 2023, 02:30 IST
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Argentina captain Lionel Messi is just not serious about his worldwide future past subsequent yr’s Copa America, the place he’ll attempt to lead the nation to a second successive continental title on the match within the United States.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi is just not serious about his worldwide future past subsequent yr’s Copa America, the place he’ll attempt to lead the nation to a second successive continental title on the match within the United States.
The 36-year-old stated earlier this yr that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the place he led Argentina to their third title, would probably be his final.
He is no longer ruling out taking part in on the 2026 World Cup within the US, Mexico and Canada and says he’s having fun with his finest time with Argentina.
“As long as I feel good and I can continue to deliver, I’m going to do it (continue playing with Argentina). All I’m thinking about today is getting to the Copa America and being able to play in it,” Messi instructed ESPN.
“Then time will tell whether I’ll be at the World Cup or not. I’m going to be at an age (39) that normally doesn’t allow me to play in the World Cup.
“It seemed that after the 2022 World Cup I was retiring, now I want to be with the team more than ever. We are experiencing a special moment, I want to enjoy it to the fullest, without thinking two or three years ahead, which in football is a lot.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has bittersweet reminiscences of the final time the Copa America was held on American soil within the 2016 centenary version, the place Argentina reached the ultimate however misplaced on penalties to Chile.
It was the third consecutive closing Argentina had misplaced with Messi as captain, after the 2014 World Cup and 2015 Copa, earlier than he led the nation to say the continental title in 2021.
The South Americans then went on to win the 2022 Finalissima towards Italy earlier than beating France on penalties within the World Cup closing final yr.
“Maybe we’ll do well in the Copa America and everything will work out for me to continue. Maybe not. It’s hard,” Messi added.
“Being world champion changed me in the peace of mind knowing that, in my job, I could achieve everything.”
The Copa America will characteristic six visitor groups from the CONCACAF area, together with the US and Mexico. Argentina will uncover their opponents when the draw is made on Dec. 7.
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – Reuters)
