Your current location:HOME >travel >Messi not planning to play at 2026 World Cup 正文
TIME:2024-05-07 13:17:02 Source: Internet compilationEdit:travel
Lionel Messi said he "doesn't think" he will play at another World Cup in an interview with Chinese
Lionel Messi said he "doesn't think" he will play at another World Cup in an interview with Chinese media on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old led Argentina to victory at last year's tournament in Qatar, and immediately after that triumph refused to rule out playing in the 2026 finals in North America.
However, when asked by China's Titan Sports in a video interview if he might feature at the 2026 tournament, Messi replied: "I have said several times before that I don't think so, that (2022) was my last World Cup.
"I will see how things go, but in theory I don't think I will be around for the next World Cup," he added in Spanish.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is currently in Beijing where Argentina will play a friendly against Australia on Thursday.
Earlier this year, Messi said it would be "very difficult" for him to play at another World Cup. He will turn 39 during the 2026 edition.
Argentina will play Thursday's friendly against Australia at the 68,000-capacity Workers' Stadium in Beijing. The match is a repeat of the last-16 tie between the teams at the World Cup in Doha, which Argentina won 2-1.
Garnacho debut
Meanwhile, Manchester United striker Alejandro Garnacho is looking forward to his debut with Argentina, saying his decision to represent the South American country is final.
Born in Spain to an Argentine mother, the 18-year-old told TyC Sports on Monday: "I feel Argentinian, I am Argentinian. They bet on me and it was clear to me. It's a very big national team, a very good opportunity and my whole family is very happy."
Georgia's attorney general says Savannah overstepped in outlawing guns in unlocked cars2024-05-07 13:14
CBA playoffs: Shanghai beat Zhejiang to even series2024-05-07 11:51
UN expert warns of decimated right to health in Gaza2024-05-07 11:50
China stay perfect in Thomas & Uber Cup2024-05-07 11:44
College protests: Columbia University cancels main commencement2024-05-07 11:42
China calls for solidarity, cooperation to create better future for Asia, world2024-05-07 11:36
Chinese companies are more and more innovative, says Hannover Messe organizer2024-05-07 11:18
Authorities name driver fatally shot by deputies in Memphis after he sped toward them2024-05-07 10:52
Berkshire Hathaway event gives good view of Warren Buffett's successor2024-05-07 10:49
3 Louisiana officers wounded by gunfire in standoff with shooting suspect, police say2024-05-07 10:31
Chicago Sky rookie Kamilla Cardoso out at least a month with a shoulder injury2024-05-07 13:08
Liverpool's title hopes fade further with West Ham draw2024-05-07 12:31
China's Bronze Age art comes alive in exhibition in San Francisco2024-05-07 12:09
Tyler O'Neill's bloop single lifts Boston Red Sox past Chicago Cubs 52024-05-07 12:04
The EU's executive decides to end legal standoff with Poland over democracy concerns2024-05-07 11:45
Jude Bellingham scores late to seal El Clasico win2024-05-07 11:22
Leverkusen salvage Dortmund draw to stay unbeaten2024-05-07 11:21
Boosted by sci2024-05-07 11:21
Moyes leaving West Ham at the end of the season. Lopetegui linked as the replacement2024-05-07 11:15
World Bank, Ethiopia sign 1.722024-05-07 10:47