Lionel Messi: “I don’t know if I’ll be at the 2026 World Cup”.

Lionel Messi doesn’t hold back when given the opportunity to talk about his past at Barcelona and PSG, his current situation and his future with the Argentinian national team. And it is clear that La Pulga is not currently fixated on the next World Cup, which will take place in 2026.

On his possible presence at the 2026 World Cup: “I don’t know if I’ll be taking part in the next World Cup. I’m not thinking about it yet because it’s a long way off. My objective is to reach the Copa America. That’s what I’m thinking about. Then I’ll see if I take part in the World Cup. It depends on my state of mind. The years have gone by. We’ll have to see how I feel. I’ll see how I feel. There are still three years to go.

On Newell’s: “I used to go there when I was a kid. When I was a kid, I used to go out on the pitch, it was my dream”.

On his whirlwind move to PSG: “And… it just happened. The truth is that it didn’t turn out the way I’d hoped, but I always say that things happen for a reason. I always say that, even if I wasn’t doing well at PSG, it was my turn to be world champion there. Everything happens for a reason, and if it was meant to be like that…”

On the mistreatment of Paris supporters: “It’s understandable. I was there when we won the World Cup final and it was our fault they didn’t win the World Cup.I’m the only Argentinian player not to have been recognised by his club.

On Barcelona: “I’ve kept the World Cup winner’s medal in Barcelona.It’s well kept.My museum and the things I’ve received are in Barcelona.The boots, the balls, the trophies, the medals.

On other subjects: “I love being a sporting director.I like being with the kids, teaching because if you post something stupid, it goes everywhere.There are things I prefer to avoid because of what comes after.But in my everyday life with my family and friends, I don’t deprive myself of anything.”

On the different characteristics of his children: “Thiago finds it harder to talk, whereas Anto is much more confident in telling you things.With Mateo, you have to stop him, he tells you everything. Ciro is also more reserved, he tells you everything about the others.

On his days in Miami: “We get up at 7am with the children and take them to school. Every night, I set the alarm on my mobile phone.We have breakfast. I make them toast and chocolate.We take them to school, then I go to training.When I come back, I eat with Antonela or on my own and have a nap.We watch television, series and films. The children get out of school at three in the afternoon.I pick them up and take them to training.