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October 28 (Reuters Arabic) - Lionel Messi, still striving for global success after nearly two decades of his career, said he hopes to play in the 2026 World Cup in North America, admitting that his age and fitness will determine his role in defending Argentina's title in Qatar 2022.

The Argentine superstar recently extended his contract with the American club Inter Miami until 2028, indicating that he is not considering retirement yet despite turning 39 next June.

Speaking to NBC News, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner said he will take some time next year to evaluate his fitness before deciding whether to participate in the tournament, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

"It's amazing to be able to participate in the World Cup, and I would love to do that," the Argentina captain said in the interview published on Monday.

"I want to be present , healthy, and an important part of my team, if I'm there. I'll evaluate that daily when I start preseason with Inter Miami next year (and see if I'm 100 percent ready, if I can perform, and then make a decision)."

The former Barcelona captain and top scorer added, "I'm very excited because it's the World Cup. We won the last edition and being able to defend the title on the pitch again is amazing. Playing for the national team is always a dream."

Messi has enjoyed a career spanning more than 20 years, having made his debut for Barcelona at just 17 years old in 2004 before playing for Paris Saint-Germain and joining Inter Miami in 2023.

It has sparked renewed interest in the MLS at a pivotal moment for North American sports ahead of next year's World Cup.

While Messi has won countless titles with clubs, international success eluded him until he won the 2021 Copa America before defeating France 4-2 on penalties to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Messi said of this victory, "It was my lifelong dream. It's also true that this was the only thing I lacked on a professional level, because I was fortunate to achieve everything on an individual and collective level with Barcelona."

"I think this is every player's dream. When you ask a player what his dream is, it's to become a world champion."

Messi has played 195 international matches and scored a record 114 goals for his country. His participation in the 2026 World Cup will be his sixth appearance in the tournament.

(Prepared by Ahmed El-Khashab for the Arabic edition)