By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Lionel Messi has expressed his hope to represent Argentina at next year’s FIFA World Cup, while emphasising that he will first evaluate his physical condition before committing to the tournament.
The 38-year-old forward for Inter Miami, who captained Argentina to their 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar, stated that it is his ambition to help the Albiceleste defend their title in North America, where the United States, Mexico, and Canada will host the event.
In an interview with NBC News aired on Monday, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said, “It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to. I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there.”
Messi, who will turn 39 in June next year, added that he intends to assess his fitness during Inter Miami’s preseason before deciding on his participation.
He explained, “I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group, to the national team, and then make a decision.”
The Argentine captain, who began his professional career in 2004, described the prospect of playing in another World Cup as a dream come true.
“I’m really eager because it’s a 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,” Messi added.
Messi, who made his senior debut for Barcelona at 17, moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before joining Major League Soccer in 2023.
Reflecting on his life in the United States, Messi said he has adapted well to Miami.
“The truth is that I like everything about living here. I spent a lot of time in Barcelona, which for me is an extraordinary city where I grew up and had many spectacular moments, and which we miss a lot. But Miami is a city that allows us to live very well, enjoy life, be calm, and let the kids be themselves,” he said.
Argentina’s all-time leading scorer has made 195 appearances for the national team, scoring 114 goals.
AFP