FIFA president Gianni Infantino has mentioned he hopes Lionel Messi will prolong his worldwide profession – and known as for the Argentine attacker to play within the subsequent three World Cups.
Messi led Argentina to glory at Qatar 2022 and the previous Barcelona ahead revealed within the lead-up to the ultimate that it will be his final World Cup.
The Inter Miami icon, who additionally performed within the 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018 editions, will probably be 39 years outdated by the point the following World Cup comes round – and 47 in 2034.
Requested whether or not he thought the Argentine might prolong his profession till the following World Cup, Infantino gave a humourous response.
Chatting with DSports, he mentioned: “I need Messi within the subsequent World Cup, the one which follows [in Morocco, Portugal and Spain] and the one in 2034 [in Saudi Arabia] as properly.
“So long as he needs [to].”
Messi selected to not retire after the World Cup in Qatar, insisting he wished to play in entrance of Argentina’s followers as a world champions.
After happening to win his eighth Ballon d’Or, the Argentine is anticipated to proceed along with his nationwide aspect till subsequent yr’s Copa America.
Nevertheless, one other World Cup appears unlikely as he winds down an unbelievable profession.
Extra Lionel Messi tales
A Barcelona advisor has defined why Lionel Messi selected Inter Miami over a return to Camp Nou in the summertime.
Beforehand, Barcelona president Joan Laporta revealed that Messi had been ‘very shut’ to transferring again to the Catalan membership.
What’s it wish to play with Messi? One former Barcelona team-mate provides some perception and says it’s ‘inconceivable’ to choose only one second.