Nbc news

FIFA World Cup: Lionel Messi has expressed hope of representing Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aiming to help the defending champions retain their title when the tournament takes place in North America next summer, despite fitness and age concerns.

Messi has been playing professionally since 2004. He made his La Liga debut with Barcelona in October of that year at only 17 years old, becoming, at the time, the youngest player to play for the Spanish club.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner told NBC News that he will evaluate how his body feels before deciding whether to participate in the tournament across the United States, Mexico and Canada.