Lionel Messi is hopeful he'll be playing for Argentina to help defend its World Cup title when soccer’s biggest event comes to North America next summer.

Speaking with NBC News’ Tom Llamas, Messi said he will see how his body feels next year before choosing whether to play.

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“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” Messi said, though he admitted his age — he will be 39 next June — is a factor.

Rose Marie Cromwell for NBC News Rose Marie Cromwell for NBC News Lionel Messi at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Oct. 20. Rose Marie Cromwell for NBC News

Messi added: “I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team,

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