The football icon ended his wait for football's greatest prize when Los Albiceleste triumphed in Qatar four years ago and hasn't ruled out representing his country at the tournament in North America next summer.

Messi told ESPN: "I hope I can be there. I've said before that I'd love to be there.

"At worst, I'll be there watching it live, but it will be special. The World Cup is special for everyone, for any country – especially for us, because we live it in a completely different way."

Messi admits that Argentina have a "weight off our shoulders" after winning their third World Cup in 2022 but stressed how challenging going all the way at the tournament is.

The Inter Miami star said: "Any national team can complicate things, you hit the post and you're out, or you lose on penalties.

"Even though we won on penalties, we were superior in the game against the Netherlands and against France, and still ended up going to penalties. We had the beast 'Dibu' (goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez), who helped us win, but you can also go to penalties and lose.

"It's very difficult to win a World Cup. It's something that is lived differently: as a spectator, as a player, and as a fan. Now, seeing the group, I'm sure they will fight.

"Winning took a huge weight off our shoulders. Playing without that pressure is a relief, but at the same time it doesn't guarantee anything, because everyone wants to beat the world champion.

"There are very good national teams – Spain, France again, England, Brazil, who haven't been champions for a while and want to win again, and also Germany."