Argentina skipper Lionel Messi has confirmed "in principle" that he won’t be featuring in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Messi’s statement means that last year's FIFA World Cup in Qatar would be his fifth and final appearance at the mega event.
The 35-year-old forward powered his side to a third World Cup title last December. He came out of international retirement in 2016.
"I think not. This was my last World Cup," Messi told Titan Sports ahead of Argentina's friendly against Australia in Beijing.
"I'll see how things go but in principle, I won't go to the next World Cup."
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, who recently left Paris St Germain for Inter Miami in the United States, also lauded his former coach at Barcelona, Pep Guardiola, after the latter won the Champions League with Manchester City this season.
"I talk a lot with Pep as we still maintain frequent contact. I am very happy about his achievement, winning the recent UEFA Champions League," Messi told the Chinese sports paper in an interview.
"He is the best coach in the world, and although, in my opinion, he didn't need to win this Champions League title to prove that, it further demonstrates that he is the world's top coach, which is an achievement he deserves."
Argentina play the Socceroos at the newly rebuilt Workers Stadium in the Chinese capital on Thursday.
Barcelona's financial problems reportedly quashed Messi's desire to reunite with the La Liga giants, where he rose to fame between 2004-21.
As for the MLS, Messi's arrival would mark the league's biggest signing since David Beckham joined the LA Galaxy in 2007.
Messi had signed for PSG from Barcelona in 2021 on a two-year contract.