Former Argentina midfielder Ariel Ortega has supported Lionel Messi to appear at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. He believes the Inter Miami star is still playing at a high level and looks in good physical condition to compete in the tournament.
Lionel Messi to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to win the MLS Cup last week, as they defeated Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final. The MLS is now on a break as they prepare for the new season. Hence, as compared to players in the European leagues, Messi would have played fewer competitive games before heading into the World Cup.
However, the former Argentina player Ariel Ortega thinks it should not be a big problem for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. He told BOLAVIP.
“Given how much Messi loves playing football, he’s going to be there. Besides, personally, I see him as better than ever. He’s at an incredibly high level, regardless of what people say about the league he plays in. I think playing at that level isn’t easy, and he’s going to be at the World Cup.”
“It’s going to be a personal thing for him; he’s going to want to play every game. The World Cup is different; he hasn’t had any serious injuries in his career and he looks to be in good physical shape. He’s going to prepare well to be there without any problems,” he added.
Lionel Messi led Argentina to lift their third World Cup trophy in the last edition, as they defeated France in the final in Qatar in 2022.
Lionel Messi breaks silence on whether Argentina can defend World Cup title
Argentina ended a 36-year wait for their third FIFA World Cup trophy when they won it in Qatar in 2022. They defeated France in the penalty shootout in the final after the game was level at 3-3 after extra time. Lionel Messi won the Golden Ball in the tournament.
In a recent interview, the former Barcelona player was asked if Argentina could defend its title next summer. He responded:
Yes, I believe it's a group that will try again, and will give everything and fight. The World Cup is very difficult, any team can make things tough for you and eliminate you. The ball might hit the post and go out, or hit the post and go in, and just like that, your journey ends or you lose on penalties.
"In the last World Cup, luck was on our side, even though we were greatly superior in our matches against the Netherlands and France, we ended up going to penalties, and then we had the beast as a goalkeeper who made us win. But it can happen that you reach penalties and don't win, it's very hard to win the World Cup," he added.
The Lionel Messi-led team performed exceptionally well in the World Cup Qualifiers, finishing atop the CONMEBOL table, nine points above second-placed Ecuador.