During an interview, Messi said that if his body allows, he hopes to represent Argentina in the 2026 World Cup. He admitted that participating in the World Cup has always been his dream.
Meanwhile, he called on Major League Soccer to relax restrictions on player signings to promote the development of the league.
When asked whether he will participate in the 2026 World Cup
Messi said, "To be honest, participating in the World Cup is a very special thing, and of course I also hope to stand on that field again. If my physical condition is good at that time and I can still make important contributions to the national team, I will continue to serve without hesitation. After preseason training with Inter Miami next year, I will assess my physical condition every day to see if I can really maintain 100% competitive form."
He then said, "I am truly eager to participate in the World Cup again. We just won the champion of the last World Cup, and it would be an indescribable feeling to defend this honor on the field once more. Playing for the national team, especially in official matches, has always been my dream since childhood. I hope God will give me such an opportunity again, allowing me to fight for my country once more."
When asked if they would like to change certain systems in MLS
Messi said bluntly: "I believe that every team should have the opportunity to sign the players they want without restrictions. Currently, not all clubs in the US have such freedom. If these rules are relaxed, I believe more world-class players will come here, which will greatly promote the development of US soccer."
When talking about the moment of winning the World Cup in Qatar
Messi recalled, "To achieve that dream, I went through a lot and gave a lot. It was the dream of my life. When I finally achieved it, all the hardships I had endured along the way came to mind - my family, my friends, and the entire Argentina."