Messi on playing at the Word Cup 2026: "I don't know. The end is near"

There is no football without Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has left a permamnent mark on the history books of the sport and, on Thursday, Spanish outlet 'Marca' decided to celebrate that as they named Messi the greatest player of all time. During the award ceremony, the Agentinian was able to reflect on his career.
"I was able to achieve every dream I had and even surpass those I had as a kid. For that I thank God," he told 'Marca'. I was able to accomplish my biggest dream of all, which is to win the World Cup. I have won everything for club of my life in Barca, I also won titles in PSG. I can't ask for anything else."
When asked whether he will play at the World Cup 2026, Messi said: "Well, everything happens for a reason in life... now I'm just trying to live day by day. When that period comes we'll see. I don't want to say anything. Right now my priority is too keep playing at a high level. I feel good and I am happy, that matters to me more than thinking about the World Cup."
With the amount of awards he has won over the course of his career, Messi admitted that he has a vague memory on his first trophy. "I saw pictures of my first trophy as a kid. I probably had no idea what was waiting for me in the future. I've always loved football from the beginning: it's my passion," he added.
Speaking on the national team, Messi deems himself satisfied, stating that he is grateful for the love after he endured various tough moments with the 'Albiceleste'. "The other day, the Monumental was packed with fans chanting my teammates and I's names. I went through difficult some moments wih Argentina, so I am very grateful for everything at the moment," the captain said. "The end is near and I'm enjoying and valuing every moment as maximum as possible". Argentina and Barcelona are my home. Today I am also in a place where I feel very happy, a new stage in my life."