I managed to achieve much more than I dreamed of when I was a kid

Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, addressed his future during a press conference on Thursday, where he emphasized that his focus remains on the present rather than long-term goals like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Argentine legend, who now plays for Inter Miami in the U.S., expressed satisfaction with his physical condition and stated that he is prepared to finish the current season in top form. However, when asked about his potential participation in the next World Cup, Messi chose not to commit to any decision.

“I am physically well and ready to finish the season in the best way,” said Messi after receiving an award at the Marca América Awards in Miami. The Argentine was honored for his record-breaking career, having won 46 collective titles the most by any footballer in history along with numerous individual honors that solidify his place in the sport’s pantheon of legends. Messi’s career has been nothing short of remarkable, from his meteoric rise at Barcelona to his crowning achievement of lifting the World Cup trophy with Argentina in Qatar in 2022.

Reflecting on his illustrious career, Messi expressed deep gratitude for what he has achieved, singling out his time at Barcelona as a key part of his journey. “Thank God, I was able to achieve all my dreams. I managed to accomplish much more than I dreamed of when I was a kid,” Messi said. He went on to highlight the significance of winning the World Cup, calling it the pinnacle for any footballer. “I achieved the greatest dream of any player, which is winning a World Cup, which I think is the trophy we all want,” he added, referring to Argentina's triumph last year in Qatar, which solidified his legacy in the eyes of football fans worldwide.

Despite having achieved what many would consider the ultimate goal in football, Messi remains driven to continue playing at a high level. His move to Inter Miami earlier this year has been a new chapter in his storied career, and Messi has expressed a desire to keep winning titles in the U.S., bringing the same determination and passion that defined his years in Europe.

However, while Messi remains competitive, he is cautious about committing to the next World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026. Argentina will enter the tournament as the defending champions, but Messi, who will be 39 by then, is unsure whether he will still be playing at the necessary level to compete. Instead of focusing on a distant goal, Messi has adopted a more immediate, day-to-day outlook. “Now I live day by day, I try to enjoy everything that happens to me at each moment,” Messi said. He stressed the importance of maintaining his current form and happiness, adding, “I hope to continue playing at this level so I can feel good and be happy, because when I feel good and can enjoy what I do, I’m happy.”

Messi’s future beyond the 2026 World Cup is uncertain, and he was clear that reaching the tournament is not a specific objective for him at this stage in his career. “The truth is, I don’t have the goal of making it there, but rather to live day by day and feel well,” he explained. This pragmatic approach reflects Messi’s maturity and understanding of the physical demands of the sport, especially after a long and demanding career that has seen him play at the highest levels for nearly two decades.

While Messi may not have his sights set on 2026 just yet, his current focus remains on continuing to deliver strong performances for Inter Miami, where he has quickly become the face of the team and a major attraction for Major League Soccer. Messi's impact on the league has been profound, both on and off the field, with his presence elevating the profile of MLS worldwide. His influence on the pitch has also been evident, as he continues to provide goals, assists, and moments of magic that fans have come to expect from him.

As Messi enjoys his footballing journey in the U.S., the global football community remains eager to see how the next few years unfold for the Argentine superstar. Whether he decides to make one final appearance at the World Cup in 2026 or not, his legacy is already firmly established. For now, Messi seems content to take things one step at a time, savoring every moment while still contributing to the game he loves. With a career filled with records, titles, and iconic moments, Messi’s continued presence in football, even without long-term goals, is a gift to fans around the world.