Lionel Messi believes Argentina fans are right to dream of a second World Cup title but warns that other competitors, especially France and Spain, “are in better shape.”
“There are a lot of guys who are dealing with injuries or a lack of match fitness, but the truth is that when the group is together, it has been proven that it competes and always wants to win,” the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said of Argentina in an interview with host Pollo Alvarez published on YouTube.
However, Messi, who has elevated Inter Miami to the status of a must-see team in Major League Soccer, predicted fierce competition.
“As of today, France is in great shape again. They have a ton of top-level players,” he said of the team that Argentina beat in the 2022 final in Qatar.
He also tipped Spain and Brazil, described Portugal as “very competitive,” and warned that traditional European powers Germany and England are always hazardous.
Messi, who will be 39 in June, has yet to formally confirm his participation in the event, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada between June 11 and July 19.
Nonetheless, the former Barcelona star insisted that he has no timetable for his career because his competitive drive remains unwavering.
“I love playing football, and I’m going to do it until I can’t anymore,” said Messi, who earned MLS Most Valuable Player honors last season as he sparked Miami to the title and led the league in goals.
“I’m competitive,” he said. “I like to win at everything … I don’t even let my son win at video games.”
