Argentina captain Lionel Messi has refused to commit 100 per cent to playing at next year’s World Cup finals.
Messi was the driving force behind his country’s success in Qatar three years ago but will be 39 when the finals come round next summer.
He has shown little sign of slowing down despite his advancing years, winning the Major League Soccer Golden Boot after scoring 29 goals in 28 regular-season games for Inter Miami and is likely to make history by becoming the first man to claim back-to-back MLS MVP awards.
Messi, who recently signed a three-year contract extension with Miami, still has reservations, though, about playing at the World Cup for the final time.
He told NBC News: “It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup. And I would like to be there. To feel well and to be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there.
“I am going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter [Miami] and see if I can really be 100 per cent. I’m really eager because it’s the World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last World Cup, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions, so hopefully God will allow me to do it once again.”
Contract extension was an easy decision – Messi
He was less uncertain when it came to discussing his future with Miami.
Messi has had a transformative effect on MLS with Miami playing to sold-out venues all across the United States. And his new deal is a huge boost for the Florida club, in particular, ahead of their move to a new stadium.
“I’ve always said that I’ll base my decision [about playing] on how I feel day to day and how I feel physically and mentally to continue playing and to continue being part of this club,” he added.
“Honestly, I felt really good during the year. I’m happy living in Miami, as is my family, and honestly, the decision was easy.”
Argentina qualified for the World Cup finals, that will be staged in the US as well as Canada and Mexico, by finishing top of the Conmebol section.
They will be among the favourites to defend their crown in a little over seven months’ time.
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