Argentina skipper Lionel Messi had a cautious strategy on enjoying the 2026 World Cup subsequent 12 months. Messi mentioned this after his double helped Argentina win 3-0 win in opposition to Venezuela within the penultimate spherical of the South American qualifiers.
“Previously, I mentioned it, logically, it was unlikely I’d play in a World Cup at 39. It’s 9 months away, which is shut, but it surely’s a very long time as nicely,” Messi informed reporters on the Monumental Stadium after Thursday evening’s sport.
“I like this, I like enjoying and I by no means need it to finish, however the second is coming, I’m conscious, it is going to occur when it has to occur. Once I really feel good, I take pleasure in myself. And if I’m not feeling nicely, I actually battle, I’d moderately not be enjoying, so we’ll see,” Messi added, when requested about his health.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni determined that Messi ought to relaxation and never journey with the nationwide group to the ultimate qualifying match in opposition to Ecuador in Guayaquil on Tuesday.
Messi’s emotional second
Within the Venezuela match, the reigning World Cup champions, who’ve already certified for the event in Canada, Mexico and the U.S., managed proceedings from the opening whistle, creating possibilities by way of Nicolas Tagliafico and Franco Mastantuono solely to be thwarted by Venezuela goalkeeper Rafael Romo.
Messi broke the impasse within the thirty ninth minute, the Argentine captain latching onto a move from Julian Alvarez on a swift counter-attack and firing house into the top-right nook of Romo’s web.
Argentina maintained their relentless strain within the second half, with Messi remaining the point of interest of their assault, however the hosts needed to wait till the 76th minute for a second purpose, Nico Gonzalez delivering from the left for Lautaro Martinez to attain with a diving header.
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4 minutes later, Messi capped off one other wonderful efficiency with a 3rd purpose, assisted by Thiago Almada.
“With the ability to end this fashion right here with my individuals is what I at all times dreamed of,” an emotional Messi mentioned after the match.
“For a few years I had the love of Barcelona followers and my dream was to have it right here in my nation too.”
(With company inputs)