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Lionel Messi, still chasing international glory nearly two decades into his career, says he hopes to play at the 2026 World Cup in North America, acknowledging his age and fitness will dictate his role in defending Argentina’s 2022 title.The Argentine great recently extended his contract with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami through 2028, signalling he is not yet considering retirement despite turning 39 next June. Speaking to NBC News, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said he will take time next year to assess his physical condition before deciding whether to play in the tournament across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” the Argentine captain said in the interview.“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’re coming off winning the last one, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team.”Messi has enjoyed a professional career spanning more than 20 years, debuting for Barcelona at just 17 in 2004 before playing for Paris St Germain and joining Inter Miami in 2023. He sparked fresh interest in the American league in a critical moment for the sport in North America ahead of hosting next year’s World Cup.While Messi has amassed countless club and individual accolades, international success had eluded him until claiming the 2021 Copa America before beating France 4-2 on penalties to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.“It was the dream of my life,” Messi said of the victory. “It was also true that it was the only thing missing at a professional level because I had been lucky enough to have achieved everything at an individual level, at a team level with Barcelona, and I think that’s every player’s dream. When you ask a player what their dream is, it’s to be world champion.”Messi said he is enjoying his time in MLS. “The truth is that I like everything about living here,” Messi said of Miami. “I spent a lot of time in Barcelona, which for me is an extraordinary city, where I grew up and had many spectacular moments, and which we miss a lot. But Miami is a city that allows us to live very well, that makes us enjoy life, that allows us to be calm, that allows the kids to be themselves and live day to day.”Messi has played in 195 matches and scored a record 114 goals for his country. A return for the 2026 World Cup would mark his sixth appearance in the tournament.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani left Doha on Sunday, heading to the United States of America to participate in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which will be held at the organization's headquarters in New York.His Highness the Amir will deliver a speech at the opening session of the General Assembly on Tuesday, Sept. 23.His Highness is accompanied by His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and an official delegation.

American Airlines is adding more premium seats to its Boeing 777-300ER planes used on long-haul routes as US carriers increasingly chase higher-spending travelers.   The airline is also phasing out first class on the aircraft, while increasing the number of business-class seats.   The US carrier, which is expanding its premium offerings to improve profitability, said the first retrofitted aircraft would begin commercial service on Wednesday from New York to Buenos Aires. American expects to complete upgrades of all 20 of its 777-300ERs sometime in 2027.   The revamped aircraft will have 144 premium seats, up from 116 under the current layout, with the total percentage rising to about 44% from 38%. That includes 70 Flagship Suite business-class seats with privacy doors, 44 Premium Economy seats and 30 Main Cabin Extra seats, American's extra-legroom economy product.   The current 777-300ER has 52 business-class seats and eight Flagship First seats, American's top-tier international first-class cabin. The airline is eliminating Flagship First as part of the retrofit, with the product no longer sold on 777-300ER flights for travel beginning November 19.   Among the big three US network carriers, American is the only one that still offers a separate international first-class cabin.   Delta Air Lines combined its international first- and business-class cabins beginning in late 1998, while United Airlines stopped selling international first class in 2018 as it transitioned its long-haul fleet to Polaris business class.   American said in 2022 it would phase out international first class because customers were not buying the product and removing it would allow the airline to add more business-class seats that travelers were more willing to pay for.   The retrofit extends American's bet on premium travel as it tries to narrow a profit gap with Delta and United. Premium travelers generated nearly half of American's ticketed revenue in the second quarter while accounting for about 30% of its seats. American said last month that premium seating on its narrowbody flights would rise to about 40% in coming years from roughly 25% now.   American's move is part of a wider push by US carriers toward premium travel. Revenue from higher-end products has been growing faster than more price-sensitive offerings at some of the largest airlines, reflecting a widening divide as wealthier customers keep spending while budget-conscious travelers pull back.   The shift is also reaching airlines traditionally built around lower fares. Southwest Airlines is evaluating products once associated with network carriers, including airport lounges, transoceanic flying and more premium seating. Frontier is adding first-class-style seats, while JetBlue is expanding its premium offering with airport lounges.   American's 777-300ERs serve long-haul markets including London, Tokyo, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires and Sydney. The retrofitted aircraft will also offer upgraded inflight entertainment, while members of American's AAdvantage loyalty program will have access to free high-speed Wi-Fi.