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Former Argentina midfielder Ariel Ortega has backed Lionel Messi to feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He believes the Inter Miami superstar is still playing at a high level and looks in good physical condition to compete in the tournament.
Lionel Messi helped Inter Miami win the MLS Cup last week, as they beat Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final. The MLS is now on a break as they gear up for the new season. Hence, as compared to players in the European leagues, Messi would have played fewer competitive matches before entering the World Cup.
However, former Argentina star Ariel Ortega believes it shouldn't be a big issue for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. He told BOLAVIP:
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“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 helped Argentina win their World Cup trophy in the last edition, as they beat France in the final in Qatar in 2022.
Lionel Messi opens up on whether Argentina can defend World Cup trophy
Argentina ended a 36-year wait for their third FIFA World Cup trophy when they won it in Qatar last year. They beat 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 star was asked if Argentina could defend its title next year. He answered:
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 side performed brilliantly in the World Cup Qualifiers, finishing atop the CONMEBOL table, nine points above second-placed Ecuador.
