‘In Principle, I’m Done’, Messi Unlikely to Play at 2026 World Cup

Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal during the match of OGC Nice v Paris St Germain in Allianz Riviera, Nice, France, on April 8, 2023. (Eric Gaillard/Reuters）

BEIJING—Argentina skipper Lionel Messi has said that “in principle” last year’s World Cup would be his fifth and final appearance at global soccer’s showpiece event.

The 35-year-old forward led his country to a third World Cup triumph in Qatar last December, saying throughout the tournament that he would not be playing at another edition.