Messi on World Cup, Neymar, and Ronaldo in Lengthy Interview

In an extensive conversation with journalist Lou D’El Polo, Argentine captain Lionel Messi opened up about a range of topics just one month before the 2026 World Cup. The interview touched on his current club, expectations for Argentina, and the long-standing comparisons with Portugal and Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi began by addressing life at his current club, Inter Miami. “Yes, the truth is we are very well. We are fine at the club, in daily life, in the family. We are really very happy,” he said. He explained that when he arrived, the club was in its early stages and needed significant changes to grow into a real football institution. “Gradually, that happened. Everyone at the club was always ready and willing to develop, and over time the results came—not only sportingly but also institutionally.” He added that as the club grows, it seeks more, bringing in players to compete and win, but sometimes that is not enough because football depends on many circumstances and different moments.

Argentina’s World Cup Prospects

Regarding expectations for Argentina in the upcoming tournament, Messi acknowledged challenges. “Even though some players are suffering from injuries or lack of playing time, when the team is together we have proven that we fight and always want to win, and we give everything we can to achieve the goals,” he stated. He noted that the World Cup is always difficult due to injuries and conditions. “We must dream as Argentines always dream in any official tournament, whether Copa América or the World Cup, but we also must know that there are other teams that arrive better than us as a team and as a national team. Nevertheless, Argentina will always compete and give its maximum as this group has done.”

Favorites for the 2026 Title

Messi named France as his pick to win the next World Cup. “I think France today is very strong again, they have many outstanding players. Spain too. Brazil, even though they are not in their best form recently, are always contenders—they have players capable of competing in every tournament. Then there is Germany, England, the major powers always. And also Portugal, a very strong and competitive team. Surprises always appear; we hope they are not against us.”

On Neymar’s potential participation in the World Cup, Messi expressed his hopes. “I hope Neymar plays in the World Cup and that all good things happen to him because he deserves it, also for his personality. I hope he is always present at the World Cup. Everyone wants the best to be there, and Neymar, whatever his condition, will remain one of those. It would be nice to see him in the World Cup for what he means to Brazil and to football. I hope he is there. But as I said, I cannot be objective—for me, he should always be there.”

Friendship with Neymar and Suárez

Discussing his relationship with Neymar and Luis Suárez, Messi revealed details about their WhatsApp group. “The WhatsApp group between Messi, Neymar, and Suárez? I think it still exists, but we don’t talk much. From time to time we send a greeting or a comment about something specific. I was with Neymar in Paris too, so there was daily contact, but over time communication decreased. I think the group still exists, but our friendship as friends has continued for many years.”

The Ronaldo Rivalry

On the perpetual comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi said, “This is natural. He was at Real Madrid and I was at Barcelona—El Clásico, the competition for individual and collective titles. People always compare. But between us there was never a big personal relationship, only meetings at matches or awards ceremonies. It was a purely sporting rivalry, and people enjoyed it a lot.”