Messi claims he WON'T play at 2026 World Cup

 

Lionel Messi has revealed that he has no intention of playing at the 2026 World Cup, with his last outing on such a stage set to be the 2022 final.

All-time great savoured global glory in 2022

Captained his country to crown in Qatar

Ready to open a new adventure in America

WHAT HAPPENED? Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi inspired the Albiceleste to global glory in Qatar, with a collection of talismanic performances allowing him to complete a glittering medal collection. The 35-year-old had suggested heading into that tournament that he would not be back for another, and he has now reiterated that stance after revealing that he will be shortly heading to America at club level in order to link up with MLS franchise Inter Miami.

WHAT THEY SAID: Quizzed by Chinese outlet Titan Sports on whether he expects to prolong his international career through to the World Cup finals in 2026 that are due to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, Messi said: “I think not. This was my last World Cup. I'll see how things go, but not in principle, I won't go to the next World Cup.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni had been paving the way for Messi to form part of his plans during the defence of a global crown, saying when asked about the chances of his captain staying on for a few more years: “We have the door open for him and if we see no, we’ll look for an alternative. I hope he makes it to the next World Cup, I can see him there, but I think the first thing is to qualify.”

Liverpool transfer news and rumours today: Reds are not interested in move for Bayern Munich defender

 Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has affirmed that he is keen for France teammate Khephren Thuram to join him at Anfield, and has been left impressed with what he has seen from Thuram so far.

Konate said to RMC Sport: "Khephren, he's like a younger brother, he's someone I saw grow (...) I was with his older brother at academy level. I saw him perform well and progress greatly... it was incredible.

"Even when he came to join the French national team for his first cap. I saw him in training and I was really surprised by his height and his technical ability.

"I would be very happy to see him join Liverpool, I would take him under my wing and I will do everything to help him progress. Now it's his turn to work. But I'll do everything for him to become a top player."

Mohamed Salah shows off his shiny ripped physique on a yacht as Curtis Jones & Adrian pile on & jokingly mock Liverpool team-mate for posing shirtless yet again!

 Mohamed Salah again flaunted his physique online during the off-season, with Liverpool team-mates Curtis Jones and Adrian mocking the yearly trend.

Salah enjoying time off on yacht

Posted picture of physique

Liverpool team-mates ripped into him

WHAT HAPPENED? While the Egyptian King enjoyed another fruitful campaign for the Reds, posting 46 goal contributions across 51 appearances, he finished the season without a trophy and outside the top four. After a disappointing season at a collective level, Salah has jetted off to an undisclosed idyllic ocean setting, posting the obligatory shirtless photo - much to the amusement of his Liverpool team-mates.

Lionel Messi is heading to MLS! Argentina star decides to join Inter Miami as Barcelona fail to seal homecoming transfer

Lionel Messi has reportedly decided to join Inter Miami, with Barcelona missing out on a homecoming deal for the World Cup winner.

Messi chooses Inter Miami

Signing for MLS club as a free agent

Barca unable to re-sign club legend

WHAT HAPPENED? Messi will become a free agent when his contract at Paris Saint-Germain officially expires on June 30, with the club having confirmed his departure before their final game of the Ligue 1 season. Speculation over the 35-year-old's next move has intensified since then, with Barcelona publicly stepping up their attempts to bring him back to Camp Nou. Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal have also been pushing hard to sign Messi in recent months, but Guillem Balague has now revealed that he will be embarking on the next stage of his career in America.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Inter Miami have won the race to sign Messi with the help of commercial partners Apple and adidas. The Athletic have reported that the World Cup winner is set to a share of revenue from Apple TV+'s MLS Season Pass, while adidas have offered him a profit-sharing agreement to strengthen their long-term relationship.

AND WHAT'S MORE: Messi's father admitted earlier this week that his son favoured a return to Barcelona, but their precarious financial situation ultimately made a final deal impossible. Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have all left the club since the turn of the year, but Barca still need to reduce their wage bill significantly before they will be able able to register any new players. Al-Hilal, meanwhile, will have to wait until at least 2024 before reigniting their interest in Messi, with GOAL having revealed that the forward asked to delay a potential move to the Middle East while assessing his options after leaving PSG. 

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi, born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. He began his professional career at FC Barcelona, where he played from 2004 to 2021. During his time at Barcelona, Messi achieved tremendous success, winning numerous domestic and international titles.

Some notable achievements and statistics from Messi's career include:

FIFA Ballon d'Or: Messi has won the prestigious FIFA Ballon d'Or award seven times (as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021), making him the player with the most Ballon d'Or wins in history.

Goalscoring Records: Messi holds numerous records for goals scored in a single season and throughout his career. In the 2011-2012 season, he set the record for the most goals scored in a European club season with 73 goals in all competitions.

Trophies with Barcelona: During his time at Barcelona, Messi won numerous domestic and international titles, including the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, Copa del Rey, and FIFA Club World Cup. He played a pivotal role in Barcelona's success during the team's golden era under coach Pep Guardiola.

International Career: Messi has also represented the Argentina national team. While he has had individual success, including winning the Copa America in 2021, international trophies have eluded him.

In August 2021, Messi left Barcelona due to financial and contractual issues and signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in France. However, please note that since my knowledge cutoff is in September 2021, I may not have the most up-to-date information about Messi's current status or recent performances.