Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, in an interview on Thursday with Fabrizio Romano for ‘433’, reflected on his future, the 2026 World Cup, and the role he envisions once he retires from playing.

Despite his rich career in football, Messi has made it clear he has no plans to transition into coaching.

“I wouldn’t like to be a coach. But I’m still not sure what I’d like to do in the future. I value much more than before everything I do on a day-to-day basis, so I just think about playing, training, and having fun,” Messi stated.

When asked about his participation in the 2026 World Cup, Messi expressed uncertainty.

He said, “The truth is that I don’t know. I’ve been asked several times, especially in Argentina. I hope to have a good end of the season and then a good pre-season, something I didn’t have last season because of all the travelling we did.

“From there, I want to see what happens, to realize how I feel. In football, a lot of things always happen. There’s still a long way to go, so I’m not thinking too much about it.

“I’m going to live day to day without thinking too much about the future.”

Reflecting on his legacy, Messi shared his gratitude.

“Let people remember me as they want. My biggest dream was to win the World Cup, which I fought for a long time and which cost me a lot of effort.

“I’ve been lucky enough to win everything with Barcelona, with the national team, and to have a wonderful life and family. I am very grateful to God for everything I have been through,” he said.

Messi also discussed his ambitions with Inter Miami, which recently clinched the regular season.

He said, “We were happy and celebrated the achievement because it was something difficult and important. We are aware that the real title we want is the MLS.

“During the year, we had many very silly mistakes that we can avoid and that in these playoffs cannot happen because they can cost you elimination. I think we are one of the favourites. The other teams also respect us.”

As for the project in Miami, Messi emphasised the club’s growth-oriented philosophy.

“The club does not set limits; that is the philosophy. This was demonstrated by everything they have done so far. We have to keep growing in order to be great within the MLS and, why not, within the world,” he added.

The Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, has fined Enyimba one million naira for misconduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.

Enyimba were also charged with breaching the NPFL Framework and Rules in the course of their matchday nine fixture against Ikorodu City at the Enyimba Stadium on Sunday.

The People’s Elephant have also been reprimanded for publishing disparaging comments against match officials on their X handle.

NPFL stated that Enyimba published comments that were capable of bringing the game into disrepute.

The club was warned to desist from similar acts in future and advised to use appropriate channels to make their complaints, as a recurrence will lead to stiffer sanctions.

Enyimba have been availed the right to appeal the sanctions within 48 hours of the date of the notice.

Victor Osimhen has confirmed he will not be joining Chelsea during the January transfer window, stating his commitment to remain with Turkish giants Galatasaray until the end of his loan spell, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 25-year-old striker, who was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window, made his intentions clear after netting his fourth goal for Galatasaray in their 2-1 victory against Besiktas in Monday’s Turkish Super Lig Istanbul Derby.

“Yes, I am here,” Osimhen responded when asked about his plans for the second half of the season, as revealed by Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu.

The Nigeria striker has been in scintillating form since joining the Turkish Super Lig leaders on loan from Napoli in September, scoring in three consecutive league games, including a spectacular overhead kick against Antalyaspor last weekend, upon his return from injury.

His latest goal came in the 67th minute against Besiktas, when he expertly headed home Gabriel Sara’s cross to double Galatasaray’s lead before the visitors pulled one back in stoppage time.

Despite Chelsea’s continued interest in securing his services and Nicolas Jackson’s improved form, the Blues are still in the market for a striker that is capable of guaranteeing at least 20 goals per season, with Osimhen viewed as the ideal candidate to fill that void.

The former Lille forward’s performances in Turkey have caught the attention of Chelsea legends John Mikel Obi and Didier Drogba, who have both endorsed him as an ideal signing for their former club.

Okan Buruk’s Galatasaray have benefitted significantly from Osimhen’s presence, with the striker contributing four goals and four assists in just six appearances. The team currently sit atop the Turkish Super Lig standings with 28 points from 10 matches, maintaining an impressive run of eight wins and two draws in their last 10 games across all competitions.

The victory over Besiktas has helped Galatasaray open a six-point gap ahead of second-placed Samsunspor, while the defeated remain fourth with 20 points.

With Osimhen confirming his commitment to Galatasaray until the summer, Chelsea may have to wait until 2025 to secure the services of the former Lille player, who continues to enhance his reputation in Turkish football.