LIONEL MESSI CONFIRMS
RETIREMENT FROM
WORLD CUP AFTER
WINNING TROPHY WITH
ARGENTINA IN QATAR:
Lionel Messi
has formally announced that he will not compete in the forthcoming FIFA World
Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. Messi
is expected to sign with Inter Miami.
The
Argentine footballer just accomplished his lifelong dream of winning the World
Cup by inspiring his country to a thrilling victory in Qatar 2022, defeating
France 4-2 in penalties following a 3-3 stalemate in regulation and extra time.
After
Messi's victory, many people thought the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner had
achieved everything there was to in football.
Messi
confirmed his decision to withdraw from the famous international competition on
Tuesday at the age of 35.
Messi
responded, "I think not," when asked if he might play in the 2026
World Cup, according to Chinese media outlet Titan Sports. "This was my
last World Cup," he continued. I'll wait and see how things turn out, but
in general, I won't be attending the next World Cup.
Despite
saying that he would prefer to watch the sport, Messi made it clear that he
will probably be taking part as a player.
Should
Messi's ambitions in Major League Soccer (MLS) go as planned, it would be ideal
for him to watch the World Cup on home soil given his anticipated move to Inter
Miami. Messi is reportedly close to agreeing to a two-and-a-half-year deal with
Inter Miami, the club David Beckham shares ownership with, with an option to extend
until 2026.
When
questioned about the possibility of his captain becoming a member of the team
that will defend the championship, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni previously
stated that Messi will be a part of his preparations for the upcoming World Cup.
He added, "We have the door open for him and if we find no, we'll seek an alternative. I hope he makes it to the upcoming World Cup because I can see
him there, but I believe qualifying should come first.
As he
approaches his 38th birthday, Messi will not be participating in the following
World Cup, but he is likely to be a key player in Argentina's attempt to defend
their Copa America title at the following edition of the competition, which is
set to take place in the summer of 2024, also in the United States.
After three
agonizing final losses in his prior Copa America efforts, Messi finally tasted
success in 2021 when he defeated Brazil to win the championship.
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