Messi talks Barcelona, Inter Miami, 2026 World Cup – ‘Achieved much more than I had dreamed’ | OneFootball

Lionel Messi was present at a recent award ceremony hosted by MARCA, where he spoke about his love for Barcelona.

Messi also reflected on his successes, both at the club and international levels. He was also asked whether or not he would participate in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The award ceremony took place just after October 16, which marks a special day for Messi’s career, as 20 years ago, he made his Barcelona debut on this very day.

Messi on Barcelona

Messi did not shy away from praising Barcelona as well, deeming the Catalan outfit as the club of his life.

“When we started, I was lucky enough to win many titles at the club of my life, which is Barcelona,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

“Winning titles at PSG too, coming here and winning titles. The truth is that I can’t ask for more but we are close to being able to win another one and the goal is to try as always,” he added.

At the award ceremony, Messi was handed a painting by Barcelona-based artist Jose Maria Pena Gallardo and another by Argentine artist Carlos Benavidez.

Messi appreciated the gesture by deeming the two places as two of his homes, stating, “They are the two houses that represent me, where we were happy and we are happy with my family.”

Will Messi play in the 2026 World Cup? (Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)

However, Messi also added that he is happy in Miami as well. “Today we are in a place where we are also very happy, where we are enjoying the city, the club, the new people very much,” he said.

Messi on World Cup 2026 and the road ahead

Messi also reflected on his past successes, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which would remain the highest point of his career.

“Thank God I was able to fulfil all my dreams. I achieved much more than I had dreamed of when I was a child. I was able to achieve the biggest dream of any player, which is to win a World Cup, which I think is the trophy that we all want,” he said.

“I love playing football, I enjoy being on the pitch. A little while ago I was in Argentina and enjoyed a packed Monumental, happy to see the national team, chanting my name, my teammates’ names, and that is the best thing for me.

“I have fought a lot and I have gone through many bad times in Argentina to get to this moment and today I enjoy it more than ever,” he added.

Finally, Messi was asked whether or not he would participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, especially given the tremendous success he has had with the national team in recent years.

“Now I live day by day, I try to enjoy everything that happens to me at each moment and when the time comes we will see. The truth is that I do not set myself the goal of getting there but rather living day by day and being well,” Messi replied.

“Hopefully I can continue to perform at this level to feel good and to be happy because when I feel good and I can enjoy what I do, I am happy,” he concluded.