Luis Suarez reveals Lionel Messi's ambitions to play in 2026 FIFA World Cup

Argentina will defend the trophy going into the competition next year.

There have been several reports regarding whether Lionel Messi will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His club teammate has laid down fresh comments of the forward’s ambitions of playing in the competition.

Luis Suarez, an Inter Miami teammate and close friend, has offered a fresh perspective by revealing Messi’s continued ambition to compete in the tournament’s upcoming edition.

Suarez is currently enjoying the last phase of his career in Major League Soccer with Messi, having formally retired from international service for Uruguay in September 2024.

When asked about their future plans in an interview with Ovacion for El Pais, he revealed Messi’s long-term goals even though he rejected any formal retirement discussions.

“Retirement? Leo Messi has that desire to play at the World Cup 2026 with Argentina. We’re not discussing retirement as a plan to activate anytime soon.”

Luis Suarez is 38 years old and is facing retirement concerns. His Inter Miami contract is slated to expire at the end of 2025. The Uruguayan striker, however, isn’t prepared to announce when he plans to hang up his boots.

With 587 goals in his career, Suárez is just 13 goals away from hitting the 600-goal mark and 34 goals away from being among the top 10 soccer scorers of all time. The experienced striker recognized the significance of that accomplishment, and for the time being, retirement is still on hold.

In order to fulfil his ambition of leading Argentina in their title defence in North America, Messi, who will turn 39 at the next World Cup, reportedly intends to extend his deal with Inter Miami through December 2026.

Messi is still dedicated to playing for his country internationally, even though he has sustained numerous injuries this season. Lionel Scaloni, the coach of Argentina, has urged patience in light of Messi’s decision.

As Argentina get ready for the tournament, he has maintained that Messi shouldn’t be under any pressure regarding his future choices.

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