According to Lionel Scaloni, Lionel Messi is welcome to play for Argentina for as long as he desires. And the World-Cup winner has recently shared his feeling, inciting that he now wishes to play longer than he originally had planned. So, when will Lionel Messi retire?
According to a report by RAC1, Lionel Messi, the Paris Saint-Germain forward, is contemplating a return to Barcelona and is set to start for Argentina in their upcoming matches.
Messi’s contract with PSG expires at the end of the season, and he may choose to prolong his stay at the Parc des Princes club. However, the likelihood of him doing so is slim. Additionally, Inter Miami of Major League Soccer and several clubs in Saudi Arabia have shown interest in acquiring the Argentine superstar.
On the triumph of Lionel Messi
Despite being 35 years old, Messi chose to continue playing for his national team after leading Argentina to their first FIFA World Cup win since 1986, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in the process. He also earned his second World Cup Golden Ball award, solidifying his position as the greatest footballer of all time, as per 90min.
When will Messi retire from International Football?
In a press conference before Argentina’s upcoming matches against Panama and Curacao, Scaloni declared that only Messi has the authority to decide when he will retire from international football. The manager remarked that Messi appears content on the field and with the team, deserving of admiration, and affection for his contributions to the squad.
About a possible club return
- However, a Barca return would be challenging due to the Catalan club’s financial state, which necessitates a €200 million wage bill reduction to sign new players.
- Messi would need to accept a significant pay cut for a return to materialize, although nothing has been ruled out as negotiations have not begun.
Can we see Lionel Messi in Argentina by the next World Cup?
By the time the 2026 World Cup is held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, Messi will be 39 years old. Scaloni has granted Messi full autonomy to determine when to retire from international football. With triumphs at the club and national team levels, the Barca icon has no further targets to achieve.
- Many factors will influence the decision about participating in the 2026 World Cup. Despite being recently jeered by PSG supporters, Messi could reconsider staying in France.
- Although a return to Spain would be sentimental, the financial incentives in Saudi Arabia might be more enticing.
Argentina National Team Update and Messi’s words on his future
- Currently, Messi is on international duty and expected to play for Argentina against Panama, their first game since winning the World Cup in December 2022.
Quoted by Marca, the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar expressed his desire to play a few more games as a world champion after La Albiceleste lifted the title.
“What is going to happen after this? After fighting so much throughout my career, I was almost at the end. I want to continue living a few more games being world champion,” Messi said.”
Despite no retirement plans, Messi is anticipated to participate in the Copa America in the United States next year, and Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni would welcome him for the 2026 World Cup.
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