ไทย
English
中國人
Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina's extended 55-man preliminary squad for the upcoming World Cup, which was unveiled on Monday.
While his inclusion is no certainty that the iconic star will feature at this summer's tournament, it does reinforce the position he has repeatedly expressed when asked about his future participation. As Messi stated back in October, he will compete only if he feels completely fit and able to perform at his highest level.
At the time of the preliminary squad's release, Messi was undeniably meeting his own standards—and ultimately it is his call to make, since there is no doubt that coach Lionel Scaloni would select his fellow countryman regardless of his physical condition.
The day prior to the squad announcement, Messi played the entire 90 minutes of Inter Miami's 4–2 win against Toronto FC, setting up two goals before netting one himself. Messi is recording a goal contribution every 83 minutes in MLS this season.
While he continues to deliver at such elite levels in the very climate conditions that could trouble many younger players heading to the U.S., Mexico and Canada for this summer's competition, there is little cause for concern regarding Messi's World Cup participation. Nevertheless, Argentina's skipper acknowledges that his presence alone will not secure a second consecutive world title.
Argentina's 55-Player Preliminary World Cup Roster in Full
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders/Forwards
Lionel Messi Names Six World Cup Favorites
"We need to get excited, as Argentinians always do whenever there's an official competition, whether it's the Copa América or the World Cup," Messi said during a recent appearance on the YouTube program Lo Del Pollo, "but we also have to recognize that there are other favorites ahead of us, who are coming in stronger both individually and collectively."
When pressed on exactly who those "favorites" were, Messi immediately pointed to the team Argentina defeated in the 2022 World Cup final.
"Right now, France looks very strong again. They have a lot of world-class players," he reasoned. Didier Deschamps's squad possesses the broadest attacking depth of any nation on earth and have shown themselves to be seasoned, shrewd tournament competitors, willing to prioritize results over aesthetics.
Regarding other potential contenders, Messi drew on historical pedigree as much as current form. "I think Spain, Brazil—even though they haven't been at their best recently—are always in the mix and have the players to compete in every major competition," he argued, referencing the reigning European champions and a Brazil side coming off its worst-ever World Cup qualifying campaign.
"Then we all say the same things," Messi went on. "Germany, England, the traditional powerhouses… Portugal also has a very competitive and talented squad. And there's always a surprise or two along the way..."