Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina's national football team, expressed optimism about the team's chances of winning a second consecutive World Cup but acknowledged the formidable competition from other nations. In a recent interview, he pointed out that teams like France, Spain, and Brazil are currently in better shape. Messi noted that Argentina's squad is dealing with injuries and a lack of match fitness among some players. Despite these challenges, he remains confident in the team's ability to compete at a high level when united. Messi, who will turn 39 in June, has not officially confirmed his participation in the upcoming World Cup, scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. He emphasized his enduring passion for football and competitive spirit, stating, "I love playing football, and I'm going to do it until I can't anymore."