Messi: “I don’t have the goal of going to the 2026 World Cup”

Argentine star receives award for most decorated player of all time

Messi admits that his career is nearing its end and, in a ceremony organized by Marca , he did not set any goals until he hangs up his boots.

“I have fulfilled all my dreams and won much more than I ever dreamed of winning when I was a child. I have achieved the biggest dream of all, which is to win a World Cup . Now I don’t get ahead of myself, I just enjoy day to day life,” said the Argentine, who received an award for being the player with the most trophies won in the history of football.

So, despite having put in a brilliant performance recently for Argentina ( hat-trick and two assists against Bolivia), Messi is not dreaming of being at the 2026 World Cup: «When the time comes, I’ll see. I hope I can perform at a high level and feel happy, which is what matters most. I don’t have the goal of reaching the next World Cup.»

Messi has won 46 trophies in his career, most recently winning the Supporters’ Shield with Inter Miami earlier this month as the best team in the MLS regular season. However, the 37-year-old is not keeping score.

“I don’t count the titles, especially the individual ones. I’ve also been through many difficult moments. Not everything is beautiful, but the disappointments have helped me grow,” Messi concluded.