New Delhi: Lionel Messi is keen to help Argentina defend their World Cup title next year, though he would take a call on participation only after assessing his fitness at the start of next season.

Messi has extended his contract with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami till 2028, and though he will turn 39 next June, he is yet to consider retirement.

“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” the Argentine captain told NBC News .

“I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my team, if I am there. 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%, if I can be useful and then make a decision.

“I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup. We’r

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