MIAMI, May 9 — Lionel Messi says Argentina supporters have every reason to dream of a second consecutive World Cup title, but he believes rivals such as France national football team and Spain national football team currently look stronger.
MIAMI, May 9 — Lionel Messi says Argentina supporters have every reason to dream of a second consecutive World Cup title, but he believes rivals such as France national football team and Spain national football team currently look stronger.
In an interview with host Pollo Álvarez published on YouTube, Messi said Argentina still has strong team spirit despite injury concerns and fitness issues among some players.
“There are a lot of guys who are dealing with injuries or a lack of match fitness, but when the group is together it has been proven that it competes and always wants to win,” he said.
However, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who now plays for Inter Miami CF, warned that the competition will be intense.
“As of today, France are in great shape again. They have a ton of top-level players,” he said, referring to the side Argentina defeated in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar.
He also highlighted Spain and Brazil as strong challengers, described Portugal as “very competitive,” and said Germany and England remain consistent threats on the global stage.
Messi, who will turn 39 in June, has yet to confirm whether he will feature in the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
Despite that, he said he has no plans to retire soon as his passion for the game remains strong.
“I love playing football, and I’m going to do it until I can’t anymore,” said Messi, who was named MLS Most Valuable Player last season after leading Inter Miami to a title push and topping the scoring charts.
“I’m competitive,” he added. “I like to win at everything... I don’t even let my son win at video games.” — AFP
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