"He asks me questions" - Lionel Messi says his son Thiago constantly talks to him about 2026 FIFA World Cup
Lionel Messi has opened up about how his son Thiago constantly speaks to him about the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament scheduled to take place in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
The 36-year-old's family will thus get a first-hand viewing experience. They currently reside in the USA after Messi decided to join MLS side Inter Miami in the summer of 2023.
However, it will be interesting to see whether he's still at the club in 2026, given that his current deal runs out in December 2025.
Revealing his conversations about this tournament with his son, Messi told ESPN Argentina (via @AlbicelesteTalk):
"Thiago talks to me a lot about the upcoming World Cup; we are living in the United States and and it's going to be held there. We talk about it, he asks me questions, and he's excited to experience that World Cup."
However, it is still unknown whether the Argentina captain will take part in that competition. He said in the same interview that his participation would depend on his fitness and ability to contribute to the team.
Messi won the World Cup in 2022 in Qatar, bagging seven goals and three assists throughout the competition. He was also awarded the Golden Ball for being the tournament's best player.
Most importantly, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner scored a brace in the final against France to help his team win 4-2 on penalties after managing a 3-3 draw.
Lionel Messi wishes Diego Maradona could witness Argentina's 2022 World Cup success
Lionel Messi believes Argentina legend Diego Maradona would have loved to see his country lift the 2022 World Cup.
The former attacker passed away in November 2020. Maradona himself managed to win the World Cup with La Albiceleste during the 1986 edition of this tournament.
With Argentina winning their first World Cup since 1986 in 2022, Messi told ESPN Argentina:
"Obviously I was sad that he couldn't experience what we experienced, because I know what he felt for the national team and that he wanted Argentina to be world champion again."
Maradona made 91 appearances across competitions in international football, bagging 34 goals. Meanwhile, Messi has played in 181 matches across competitions for his country, registering 106 goals.
The Inter Miami man is gearing up for this summer's Copa America with the national team.