Although Lionel Messi has acknowledged that he would like to compete in the 2026 World Cup, he is adamant that winning Argentina’s Copa America championship must come first.

The 36-year-old Argentine icon has stated that he wants to compete in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Mexico and the United States, but he also says he will put the Copa America first.

Speaking via ESPN on the Star+ documentary “Champions, a year later,” Messi declared his intention to carry on representing his nation in tournament football. “My only concern right now is making it to the Copa America in good shape so I can compete there. We’re going to fight it again, the way we always have, like champions. After that, only time will tell if I’ll be at the World Cup.

At 39 years old, I will arrive, past the age at which I would normally be unable to compete in the World Cup. I expressed my doubt that I would be present. Instead of retiring after the World Cup, it appeared as though I was. I’d give anything to be there right now.

Though anything can happen, I’m not thinking about the World Cup and I’m not claiming that I won’t be there. The most likely scenario, considering my age, is that I won’t be present. Then, we’ll observe how much. Perhaps it happens if we perform well in the Copa America. everything in order for us to go forward. Perhaps not. It is challenging to be realistic.”

Just one year after defeating Brazil on penalties in the Copa America final to win his first major international title, Messi sealed the 2022 Qatar World Cup victory against France last December. After a thrilling match against his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe that ended 3-3 after extra time, the World Cup was also decided on penalties.

The former Barcelona player, who missed the playoffs with his new team Inter Miami, will now take some well-earned time off. Messi will have several months to heal before he is asked to play again because the MLS won’t resume until February and the next international break isn’t until March.