‘Doesn't allow me,’: New developments in Lionel Messi's retirement plans: What you need to know

Argentina's football maestro, Lionel Messi, has expressed his aspirations to compete in the 2026 World Cup, set to unfold in the United States and Mexico. Despite hinting earlier this year that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar might be his swan song, Messi now remains open to the idea of extending his international career, emphasising his current focus on the impending Copa America.

3 things you need to know

• Lionel Messi led Argentina to lift the FIFA World Cup 2022 
• Messi currently plays for Inter Miami 
• Messi will be playing in the Copa America next year 

What did Messi say about his retirement?

Messi's dedication to representing Argentina is unshakeable, even at 36 years old. The legendary football player understands that getting older—he might be 39 by the 2026 World Cup—presents a challenge, but his love for the game and the satisfaction he gets from representing Argentina keep him going.

Messi, though, has his eyes set on the Copa America, where he hopes to help Argentina win. He thinks back, recalling the disappointment of losing the Copa America championship on home ground in 2016. Under Messi's leadership, Argentina lost three straight championship games before winning the region in 2021. The recent 2022 World Cup victory fuels Messi's rekindled zeal. Talking to ESPN, Messi revealed his plans: 

"As long as I feel good and I can continue to deliver, I'm going to do it (continue playing with Argentina). All I'm thinking about today is getting to the Copa America and being able to play in it,"

"Then time will tell whether I'll be at the World Cup or not. I'm going to be at an age (39) that normally doesn't allow me to play in the World Cup."It seemed that after the 2022 World Cup I was retiring, now I want to be with the team more than ever. We are experiencing a special moment, I want to enjoy it to the fullest, without thinking two or three years ahead, which in football is a lot."

Messi's perspective has changed as a result of his recent World Cup victory and eight-time Ballon d'Or victory. Despite this, he is realistic about the future and accepts that football is full of unknowns. He added: 

“Maybe we'll do well in the Copa America and everything will work out for me to continue. Maybe not. It's hard. Being a world champion changed me in the peace of mind knowing that, in my job, I could achieve everything,”

The Road Ahead: Copa America Draw

The Copa America draw will take place on December 7, and Argentina will be there along with six other teams from the CONCACAF region. As people get more excited, Messi, who is always up for a task, looks forward to the challenges that lie ahead and is enjoying every moment on the pitch.