Lionel Messi wants to defend Argentina’s World Cup when the tournament comes to the United States next summer, if his body allows it.

The world’s greatest footballer joined NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas for a rare interview this weekend, days after extending his contract with Inter Miami through 2028.

VIDEO — Lionel Messi speaks with Tom Llamas

And Llamas asked Messi, 38, his status for the 2026 World Cup.

“The truth is that yes, it’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup,” Messi told Llamas. “And I would like to be there. To feel well and to be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there. And I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter and see if I can really be 100%.”

So health-pending, we’ll see

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