20 January 2025
Argentine star Lionel Messi spoke about his ambitions regarding supporting his country's national team in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Messi led his team, Inter Miami, to a friendly victory over Mexico's Club America on Sunday, where the match ended in a 2-2 draw in regular time, before the penalty shootout smiled at Messi's teammates with a score of 3-2.
The 38-year-old said in a statement to TN channel after the match: "We were doing a pre-season preparation period, we have few training sessions. So it helps us to continue growing with a new coach and continue improving."
When asked if he would participate in the 2026 World Cup, Messi added: "I'm just starting 2025, I'm starting it with great enthusiasm and desire, I hope I can feel comfortable and start a good preparation period, and add minutes to be in the best condition when the official matches come."
Inter Miami will be hoping Messi can stay fit and reach his peak later this year, for the Club World Cup in the United States, which is scheduled to be held next summer.
Inter Miami is in Group A of the Club World Cup, along with Palmeiras, Porto and Al Ahly.
Lionel Messi has participated in 22 matches out of 37, during which he scored 21 goals and made 11 assists.
