Messi could be hinting at 2026 FIFA World Cup participation with Maradona jersey
Messi previously stated he has no plans of participating in another World Cup
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi took to Instagram on Sunday to show off a picture of himself donning the iconic Argentina jersey Diego Maradona wore during the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, his final appearance in the sport's most prestigious tournament.
Messi, 36, previously stated he has no plans of participating in any more World Cup editions after winning the trophy for the first time inQatar 2022, but the GOAT left a window of opportunity open.
While speaking to Titan Sports ahead of Argentina's friendly against Australia in Beijing earlier this month, Messi stated he'll «see how things go.»
«I think not. This was my last World Cup,» Messi said. «I'll see how things go but in principle, I won't go to the next World Cup.»
Now that he plays in the MLS and continues to perform at the highest of levels, Messi joining Argentina for one «last dance» would be poetic for several reasons.
Messi would be 39 years of age in the summer of 2026 when the World Cup takes place across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
He has the opportunity of playing a World Cup in the continent of America for the second time in his career. It would be Messi's sixth appearance in the tournament.
Everything Messi. Half the Price.
Messi wearing the full 1994 Argentina kit on his Instagram Stories with the number 10 plastered on its back seems like he's hinting at ending his international career on American soil, much like Maradona.
Passing up the opportunity to win a second World cup doesn't seem like Messi, who already came out of international retirement in 2016 to eventually lift the coveted trophy a few years later. He's currently shining in the MLS.
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