Lionel Messi's World Cup announcement gives Cristiano Ronaldo advantage in GOAT debate
dailystar.co.ukLionel Messi will not be playing at the 2026 World Cup despite Cristiano Ronaldo intending to do so. PSG forward Messi announced today (October 6) that this year's tournament in Qatar will be his last as he prepares to call time on his international career with Argentina.
He told Sebastian Vignolo: "This will be my last World Cup, for sure. The decision has been made."I am counting down the days to the World Cup.
There is a bit of anxiety and nerves at the same time. Wanting it to be now and the nerves that were are already there, what is going to happen. READ MORE: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's faces look so different in first FIFA appearance"It's the last one, how are we going to do.
Yes, on the one hand, we can't wait for it to arrive and on the other hand, we're scared of wanting it to go well." The news may seem premature to some as Messi, 35, will still be only 38 by the start of the 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted closer to home in Canada, Mexico and the United States.Meanwhile, his long-time rival in the GOAT debate, Ronaldo, will be 41 when that tournament kicks off - but he wants to play a part for Portugal regardless, according to reports.Are you surprised by Messi's decision?
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