Messi not looking ahead to 2026 World Cup, trying to 'enjoy every day'

Lionel Messi is living in the moment at this late stage of his career.

As he nears the end of his second season with Inter Miami, the 37-year-old says he values happiness and his health, insisting he's not looking far into the future or worrying about qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with Argentina.

"I don't like to accelerate time or look ahead," Messi said, according to ESPN's Lizzy Becherano, after Spanish publication Marca presented him with the America legend award Thursday.

"I try to enjoy every day. I hope I can keep playing at this level to feel good and be happy.

"When I get to do what I love I am happy. I value that more than reaching the 2026 tournament. I haven't set a goal to reach the World Cup, but more so to live day-to-day and be well."

Messi fueled speculation over his future after Argentina's World Cup qualifying win over Bolivia on Tuesday, saying: "I know these can be my last games."

But his performance that night - recording a hat-trick and two assists - showed how important he remains to Argentina. La Albiceleste sit atop the South American qualifying table after 10 games, and Messi leads all CONMEBOL players with six goals in seven games.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is also a big reason why Inter Miami won the Supporters' Shield as the best regular-season team in Major League Soccer this year. Despite missing two months due to injury, Messi has contributed 17 goals and 10 assists with one game left to play before the playoffs begin.

"The step I took to come here (to Inter Miami) didn't mean retiring," Messi said. "We came here to try and keep making this team big, to help the development by winning titles, which we have, and we're close to clinching more."