Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, the head of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), said on Tuesday that he “imagines” Lionel Messi playing in the 2026 World Cup and that the 36-year-old team captain can “easily” play in the next big tournament.

“Yes, I imagine [Messi] there, and I would like him to be there,” Tapia said at the Sport Summit Leaders event in Buenos Aires. “He’s in enough good position to compete in the 2026 World Cup.”

Messi at the 2026 World Cup is something I dream about for sure

Tapia stated that “I observe him playing wherever he likes in the World Cup since he has the ability to do it.” “It will depend on what he prefers, but that’s what I dream about too.” “Being happy is the most important thing, and Leo is happy when he comes to the places, trains, and plays for the National Team. “And it shows,” the head of AFA said.

The Federation chairman referred to Messi as the “best player in the world” and said that “he always goes for more” and “he always surprises,” before stating that Messi’s participation in the World Cup that follows “varies depending on him, and on his-wish,” and “on his-need to win things.”

But before that, Messi has another date with the Albiceleste: the Copa América 2024, where Tapia says coaches and fans would be “happy” to see him. Tapia also said that Messi “is happy with the team,” which is led by Lionel Scaloni.

Messi at the 2026 World Cup is something I dream about for sure.

Tapia claims he ‘loves watching Messi perform well’

The Inter Miami attacker landed in Argentina on September 5 to join the rest of the team as they prepare for the concurrent South American World Cup qualifiers.

“I enjoy watching him doing well, with new challenges and continuing to win things, it’s wonderful,” said Tapia, who was animated as he spoke: “He’s making everyone turn their heads to watch a sport that many didn’t follow” and that the league “is more competitive than it was… The AFA president stated, “I am happy for the connection I have with him because it is genuinely loving. I am pleased and blessed for what the captain has done for Argentina.

Before then, however, Messi has another match against the Albiceleste: the Copa América 2024, which, according to Tapia, will make managers and supporters “happy” to see Messi. Messi “is happy with the team,” according to Tapia, and with the team under Lionel Scaloni’s leadership.

This Thursday’s encounter between Argentina and Ecuador, which you can watch on AS USA, marks the start of their defense of the world championship they won in Qatar. After that, they will make their way to La Paz, where they will meet Bolivia. It’s still a really challenging tie, according to Tapia; these are matches you wish you could play right now.

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