‘I hope I can be there’ – Lionel Messi makes surprising World Cup admission

Lionel Messi has refused to confirm whether he will play at the 2026 World Cup.

Next summer’s finals would be his sixth and potentially last appearance at the tournament.

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Messi finally got his hands on the trophy in 2022 as Argentina beat France on penalties in the final.

The three-time winners have once again qualified for the latest edition in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

Ahead of Friday’s group stage draw, Messi made a surprise admission when asked if there is a chance he will not be at the World Cup.

Speaking to ESPN, he explained: “I hope I can be there. I’ve said before that I’d love to be there. At worst, I’ll be there watching it live, but it will be special.

“The World Cup is special for everyone, for any country, especially for us, because we live it in a completely different way.”

The 38-year-old will celebrate his birthday during the World Cup.

Messi turns 39 on June 24, which will fall in between Argentina’s second and third group stage matches.

Despite his World Cup admission, he is set to continue playing club football for another three years.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner signed a new deal through to the end of 2028 with Inter Miami in October.

Messi is already Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and appearance maker with 115 goals in 196 caps.

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Meanwhile, he is just three goals short of equalling Miroslav Klose’s record for the most World Cup goals.

His five previous tournament appearances have seen him score 13 goals in 26 matches since his debut in 2006.

Both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo can become the first players to play at six separate World Cup finals, with the record currently shared by five players.

Can Argentina win the World Cup?

As for Argentina’s hopes, the Albiceleste captain added: “The truth is we have extraordinary players, and it’s been shown for years, especially the desire and excitement since (Lionel) Scaloni took over.

“The mentality everyone has. It’s a squad full of winners, with strong mindsets, who want to win more, and that’s contagious. You see it in training, in matches. You see them train and they give everything.

“We’re an amazing group that gets along very well, but in training matches or certain drills, if they have to go hard, they go hard.

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“Everyone gives their all, and that’s a huge strength of this group and this national team.

“Scaloni and his staff built all of this. The day-to-day atmosphere comes from them.

“New players keep appearing; aside from the ones already there, new faces keep coming in. When a group is like this, it’s easier for newcomers to fit in.

“Argentina needs to take advantage of this moment. Coming off winning the World Cup gives you confidence and relief to prepare (for) competitions differently.”

When is the World Cup draw?

Argentina will discover their group stage opponents at Friday’s draw in Washington D.C.

The ceremony is set to begin at 5pm GMT and will be live on talkSPORT.

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Adrian Durham hosts World Cup Drive with guests Stuart Pearce, Alan Pardew, Charlie Mulgrew and Andy Brassell.

World Cup After Party will follow the draw with Andy Goldstein and Darren Bent live from the US capital.

To tune in via the talkSPORT website, click HERE for the livestream.

You can also listen on the talkSPORT app here, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.