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Messi: Other Favorites Arrive in Better Shape for World Cup
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Sports

Messi: Other Favorites Arrive in Better Shape for World Cup

From ABC Color · (1h ago) Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Lionel Messi believes other favorites, like France and Spain, are in better form heading into the next World Cup.
  • Despite acknowledging the team's resilience, he noted that some players are dealing with injuries or lack of rhythm.
  • Messi expressed his enduring love for the game and his competitive spirit, hinting at his continued passion for football.

As the next World Cup looms, Argentine captain Lionel Messi has offered a candid assessment of the Albiceleste's prospects, tempering expectations while acknowledging the team's fighting spirit. In an interview with "Pollo" Álvarez, Messi stated that while Argentinians have reason to be hopeful, powerhouses like France and Spain appear to be in superior form. This measured perspective from the team's talisman is crucial, especially given the emotional weight of defending a world title.

Hay muchos chicos que están pasando por lesión o por falta de ritmo, pero la verdad es que cuando el grupo está junto quedó demostrado que compite y quiere siempre ganar

— Lionel MessiMessi acknowledged the team's resilience despite some players dealing with injuries or a lack of match rhythm.

Messi highlighted the squad's resilience, noting that even with players recovering from injuries or lacking match fitness, the group demonstrates a strong will to compete and win when together. However, he was direct in identifying other nations as stronger contenders. He specifically pointed to France, the recent World Cup runner-up, for its depth of talent, and maintained respect for Brazil, despite their recent struggles, recognizing their inherent capability to contend.

Hay que ilusionarse como se ilusiona el argentino siempre que hay una competición oficial, sea Copa América o Mundial, pero saber que por delante nuestro creo que hay otros favoritos que llegan mejor

— Lionel MessiThe Argentine captain expressed that while fans should be hopeful, other favorites appear to be in better form heading into the tournament.

His analysis extended to traditional European powerhouses like Germany and England, as well as Portugal, which he described as a very competitive selection. Messi also alluded to the possibility of an unexpected contender emerging, a common narrative in World Cup history. This comprehensive overview reflects his deep understanding of the global football landscape and his respect for all potential rivals.

Hoy por hoy Francia está muy bien otra vez, tiene muchísimos jugadores de un gran nivel

— Lionel MessiMessi identified France as a strong contender due to their high-quality squad.

From an Argentine perspective, as covered by ABC Color, Messi's words carry immense weight. While the nation's passion for football is legendary, and the desire to see their captain lead them to another triumph is palpable, Messi's grounded assessment is appreciated. It reflects a mature understanding of the challenges ahead and a commitment to realistic preparation. His enduring competitive drive, even at this stage of his career, continues to inspire, embodying the very essence of Argentine football – a blend of skill, passion, and an unyielding will to win. The conversation around his potential participation in the 2026 World Cup remains a hot topic, but his current focus is clearly on the immediate challenges, fueled by a love for the game that shows no signs of waning.

Si bien hace un tiempito que no está en su mejor momento, Brasil siempre es candidato y tiene los jugadores como para pelear en todas las competiciones oficiales

— Lionel MessiHe noted that Brazil, despite recent form, remains a perennial candidate with the players to compete.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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