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Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi reacts during the Major League Soccer (MLS) football match between Inter Miami and Charlotte FC at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, September 28, 2024. (Photo by Chris ARJOON / AFP)
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, in an interview on Thursday with Fabrizio Romano for ‘433’, reflected on his future, the 2026 World Cup, and the role he envisions once he retires from playing.
Despite his rich career in football, Messi has made it clear he has no plans to transition into coaching.
“I wouldn’t like to be a coach. But I’m still not sure what I’d like to do in the future. I value much more than before everything I do on a day-to-day basis, so I just think about playing, training, and having fun,” Messi stated.
When asked about his participation in the 2026 World Cup, Messi expressed uncertainty.
He said, “The truth is that I don’t know. I’ve been asked several times, especially in Argentina. I hope to have a good end of the season and then a good pre-season, something I didn’t have last season because of all the travelling we did.
“From there, I want to see what happens, to realize how I feel. In football, a lot of things always happen. There’s still a long way to go, so I’m not thinking too much about it.
“I’m going to live day to day without thinking too much about the future.”
Reflecting on his legacy, Messi shared his gratitude.
“Let people remember me as they want. My biggest dream was to win the World Cup, which I fought for a long time and which cost me a lot of effort.
“I’ve been lucky enough to win everything with Barcelona, with the national team, and to have a wonderful life and family. I am very grateful to God for everything I have been through,” he said.
Messi also discussed his ambitions with Inter Miami, which recently clinched the regular season.
He said, “We were happy and celebrated the achievement because it was something difficult and important. We are aware that the real title we want is the MLS.
“During the year, we had many very silly mistakes that we can avoid and that in these playoffs cannot happen because they can cost you elimination. I think we are one of the favourites. The other teams also respect us.”
As for the project in Miami, Messi emphasised the club’s growth-oriented philosophy.
“The club does not set limits; that is the philosophy. This was demonstrated by everything they have done so far. We have to keep growing in order to be great within the MLS and, why not, within the world,” he added.
