Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine football captain, has expressed uncertainty regarding his potential participation in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. By that time, Messi will be 39 years old.

During an interview broadcast on YouTube with Argentine media personality Miguel Garrados, Messi shared, "I don't know if I will make it there. It's not something I'm actively thinking about at the moment because it's still quite a distance away."

Currently, Messi's primary focus lies on the 2024 Copa America tournament, which will be hosted by the United States. He stated, "After the Copa America, we'll wait and see. It will depend on how I feel, and there are still three years to go."

Messi, who led Argentina to victory against France in the World Cup final in Qatar in December of the previous year, also reiterated his disappointment regarding the lack of "recognition" he received during his tenure at his former French club, Paris Saint-Germain, despite his triumphant 2022 World Cup performance in Qatar. He expressed his feeling that he was the sole Argentine team member who did not receive the recognition he deserved from his club.

Reflecting on his time in Paris, Messi said, "It wasn't what I expected, but I've always believed that things happen for a reason." He added that he "wasn't in a good place" during his time at the club.

It is worth noting that Messi had previously voiced his dissatisfaction with his Paris Saint-Germain experience on several occasions before making the move to Florida to join Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.