Messi is enjoying his time in the United States, having endured a testing spell in France, and would appear to have many years left in him at the age of 36. He added when asked if his remarkable international career – which includes a World Cup triumph – could be extended through to 2026: “It depends on how I feel, how I am physically and being realistic with myself. And to know if I am up to the task of being able to compete and help the teammates next to me. Know how I am physically. There is some time left and I don’t know how I will be at that moment. Age is also a reality, although it is a number, the games that I am going to play are not the same as the ones I played when I was in Europe in competition, which were every three days, or in the Champions League or in the League. But it depends on how I feel and what I feel when I’m next to my teammates and see if I’m still up to par or not.”
Next?
Messi is currently concentrating on helping Argentina defend their Copa America title. That competition is scheduled to begin on June 20 and is being held in the United States as well. Then, the all-time great will return to Miami to resume his pursuit of an MLS Cup victory.