Lionel Messi Explains Decision to Sit Out the 2026 World Cup

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player, ruled himself out of the competition after he led Argentina to winning the 2022 edition which was hosted in Qatar. Messi made this known in an interview that was held in China ahead of Argentina’s friendly match against Australia.

He was also asked about how important the Ballon d’Or was important to him at this point in his career.