Lionel Messi's Journey to the 2026 World Cup: Cristian Romero's Confidence and Fitness Concerns
Lionel Messi’s presence at the 2026 World Cup has been a topic of speculation, but Argentina team-mate Cristian Romero is confident that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will 'easily' make it to the tournament. Despite being 38 years old, Messi has acknowledged fitness concerns that could potentially affect his participation in defending the global title in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Lionel Messi’s presence at the 2026 World Cup has been called into question, but Argentina team-mate Cristian Romero claims the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will “easily” make it to that event. The all-time great has, at 38 years of age, conceded that fitness concerns could lead to him missing out on the defence of a global title in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Future of Lionel Messi with Argentina
As one of the greatest footballers of all time, Lionel Messi continues to capture the imagination of fans worldwide. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, speculation has mounted about whether Messi will still be a key part of the Argentine national team. His team-mate Cristian Romero's vote of confidence suggests that Messi's presence on the international stage is far from over.
Navigating Fitness Concerns
At 38 years of age, Messi recognizes the importance of maintaining his physical health and fitness to compete at the highest level. While concerns have been raised about his ability to sustain peak performance leading up to the 2026 World Cup, Messi's dedication and work ethic have been unwavering throughout his career. It remains to be seen how he will manage these concerns in the years leading up to the tournament.
Argentina's Quest for World Cup Glory
Argentina's rich footballing history is highlighted by their two World Cup triumphs, with the most recent coming in 1986. As the team looks to add to their legacy in 2026, the presence of a player of Messi's caliber can be a game-changer. With experienced veterans and emerging talents blending together, the Argentine squad aims to make a strong statement on the global stage once again.