da stake casino： Lionel Messi may be relaxing his 2026 World Cup stance, with there still a chance that he will be at that tournament with Argentina.

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Savoured global glory at Qatar 2022Hinted at not defending that titleFocused on the Copa America for nowWHAT HAPPENED?

FIFA’s flagship event is due to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada in a little under three years' time. Messi has previously stated that he will not be forming part of a title defence by his nation – having savoured global glory at Qatar 2022.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT THEY SAID

He is, however, still part of the Albiceleste squad for now – reaching 176 caps and 104 goals – and does plan on gracing the 2024 Copa America on U.S. soil. He has told of his plans for the 2026 World Cup: “I don't know if I will reach it. I said that before. I'm not thinking about it yet because it's far away, but I'm thinking about Copa America. The goal is to arrive in good shape for Copa America in the United States. It's going to be great. It will be looked into depending on how I feel at the time.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Messi is under contract at MLS side Inter Miami through 2025, with there a 12-month extension option within that deal. He may remain in Florida if he decides that another World Cup finals can be taken in, but the 36-year-old is still keen on returning to his roots at Newell’s Old Boys before hanging up his boots. He added on that long-standing ambition: “The idea was always there – and even more so after becoming a World Cup winner – to enjoy Argentine football, to play for Newell’s. I used to go there as a kid. I used to go to the pitch there, it was my dream.”

GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Messi spent time in Newell’s youth system as a boy, but headed to Barcelona in 2000 and has never looked back – becoming a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of the greatest players of all-time since bidding farewell to his homeland.