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In a recent interview with El Pais, Suarez was asked whether he and Messi had talked about retirement when the Uruguayan spilled the beans on the Argentine’s ‘desire’ to play in the 2026 World Cup.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami (X)
Lionel Messi might have completed football in 2022, but it seems his hunger is nowhere near satisfied.
Just ask Luis Suarez, who stated that Messi ‘desires’ to play in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Footballing circles have been rife with reports speculating on whether or not the 38-year-old Messi will be lacing his boots up for his beloved Argentina yet again in 2026.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was undoubtedly the best player in the entire tournament through Argentina’s run to the coveted World Cup, finally sealing the deal on his fifth time around in the tournament.
In a recent interview with El Pais, Suarez was asked whether he and Messi had talked about retirement when the Uruguayan spilled the beans on the Argentine’s ‘desire’ to play in the 2026 World Cup.
“No, we do talk (about it). Jokingly, many times, but he (Messi) also has that desire to play in next year’s World Cup,” Suarez stated.
“Obviously, after being away from the national team for a while, that desire is fading more on my side than on his, but we haven’t talked about it (retirement) yet.”
Suarez though also made sure to acknowledge that Messi had not confirmed he would partake in the upcoming World Cup in the USA.
“No, no, no, I don’t ask him either … I know what he is like and I don’t ask him anything regarding that. Time will tell,” Suarez said.
Messi has been on an absolute tear, living his best life, since arriving in the MLS in 2023. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is seemingly happy in Miami and hopes to extend his current deal for another year, despite multiple rumors about a potential move back to Barcelona.
The new contract with Inter Miami is also supposedly being constructed to help Messi remain in optimum physical shape to aid him in competing at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, whilst also wrapping up a complete season in Miami.
There were questions as to whether Messi would return to the national team for a sixth iteration of the tournament, but a new deal will prolong his career for at least 18 months – and ensure that he is at least on the pitch for the tournament, due to be held primarily in the United States.
