Argentina captain Lionel Messi has refused to commit 100% to playing in next year’s World Cup finals.
Messi was the driving force behind his country’s success in Qatar three years ago, but he will be 39 when the final tournament takes place next summer.
He has shown no signs of slowing down despite his advanced 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 win back-to-back MLS MVP awards.
Messi, who recently signed a three-year contract extension with Miami, still has reservations about his final appearance at the World Cup.
He told NBC News: “It’s an amazing thing to be able to participate in a World Cup. And I would love to be there. Feel good and play an important role in helping my national team, if I’m there.
“I will evaluate this day by day when I start pre-season next year with Inter [Miami] and see if I can really be 100 percent. I’m really looking forward to it because it’s the World Cup. We just won the last World Cup and to be able to defend it again on the pitch is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions, so I hope God allows me to do it 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 across the United States. And his new deal is a huge boost for the Florida club, especially ahead of their move to a new stadium.
“I always said that I would base my decision [about playing] about how I feel on a daily basis and how I feel physically and mentally to continue playing and continue to be part of this club,” he added.
“Honestly, I felt really good during the year. I’m happy to live in Miami, as is my family, and honestly, it was an easy decision.”
Argentina qualified for the final phase of the World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, by finishing first in the Conmebol section.
They will be among the favorites to defend their crown in just over seven months.
