Lionel Messi confirms triumphant 2022 World Cup was probably his last
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Lionel Messi (centre) is currently in Beijing where Argentina will play a friendly against Australia.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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BEIJING – Lionel Messi has confirmed that he “doesn’t think” he will turn out for Argentina at another World Cup, after leading La Albiceleste to victory at the 2022 tournament
“I have said several times before that I don’t think so, that (2022) was my last World Cup,” said Messi on Tuesday, when asked by China’s Titan Sports if he might feature at the 2026 edition co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
“I will see how things go, but in theory, I don’t think I will be around for the next World Cup.”
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who turns 36 next week, is in Beijing, where Argentina will meet Australia in a friendly on Thursday.
His comments come after he said earlier in 2023 to Argentinian newspaper Ole that it would be “very difficult” to play at another World Cup.
Last week, he announced that he would join Major League Soccer side Inter Miami – co-owned by David Beckham – after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
Thursday’s match at the 68,000-capacity Workers’ Stadium is a repeat of the last-16 tie between the teams at the 2022 World Cup, during which Argentina won 2-1.
With fans desperate to see Messi play, tickets have been snapped up despite being sold at prices rising to 4,800 yuan (S$900). Argentina will meet Indonesia in their next friendly on Monday, although it is unclear if Messi will be playing.
When an era ends, a new one begins, and Manchester United starlet Alejandro Garnacho, 18, is looking forward to his long-awaited debut with Argentina, saying his decision to represent the South American country is final.
Garnacho, who was born in Madrid to a Spanish father and Argentinian mother, was called up for this match and did not hesitate at the prospect of playing alongside Messi.
Fifa allows players with dual citizenship to change teams as long as they have not played more than three matches (including friendlies) but Garnacho, who had represented the Spain Under-18 team, said he aims to pursue a career with Argentina.
“I feel Argentinian, I am Argentinian. It’s a very good opportunity and my whole family is very happy and supported me from minute one,” he said.
Garnacho, who had a brilliant season with United, suffered an ankle injury and missed the chance to be called up by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni for friendlies against Panama and Curacao in March. He was also not released by United for the recent Under-20 World Cup.
“I want to make a career with the Argentina national team; if the coach trusts me, I can keep coming,” he added. AFP, REUTERS
