Contract in Miami until the end of 2028
©IMAGO
Lionel Messi is not yet thinking about ending his professional career. “I love playing football and I will continue to do so until I simply can’t anymore,” said the 38-year-old Argentine in a YouTube interview with Pollo Alvarez. The superstar’s contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami runs until the end of 2028 – when he will be 41 years old.
17 participants in a World Cup were already 39 or older. Messi will fight with Argentina in the USA, Canada and Mexico to defend their title. The offensive man is realistic about the chances of this happening: “We know that a World Cup is always a complicated affair due to the caliber of the teams taking part. We have to be full of hope – as every Argentinian is in every official competition, be it the Copa América or the World Cup – but we also have to recognize that there are other favorites who are ahead of us and will go into the tournament in better shape.”
When asked about his title candidates, Messi explained: “I think France are looking very strong again at the moment; they have a wealth of players of the highest caliber. I also consider Spain to be a title contender, as is Brazil – even if they haven’t been at their best recently. I still believe that Brazil is always one of the title contenders and has the necessary players to compete for the title in every major tournament.”
The veteran hopes that his former PSG and Barcelona teammate and friend Neymar (34/FC Santos) will appear at the finals. The Brazilian has struggled with injuries and poor form in the past and has therefore not been part of the Seleção since October 2023. “Of course I would be really happy if he was at the World Cup and only good things would happen to him there – he deserves that, just because of the great personality that he is. I really hope he can be there,” said Messi. Neymar has a special charisma. “He doesn’t pretend; he lives his life exactly as it is – according to his feelings and without worrying about possible consequences.”
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