Lionel Messi spoke with ESPN in Miami ahead of the World Cup 2026 draw. He talked about Argentina’s chances, his relationship with Lionel Scaloni, his past with Pep Guardiola, and personal memories from different stages of his life and career.
Messi said that the national team will try to compete for the title again. “It is a group that will try again, that will give everything and will compete. Then, through small details, you can be eliminated. A World Cup is very difficult. Any national team can create problems and can eliminate you.” He recalled how Argentina reached penalties against the Netherlands and France in 2022, saying: “We were superior in both matches, but we still went to penalties and we had Dibu Martínez, who made us win. But we could go to penalties and not win. It is very difficult to win a World Cup.”
He pointed out that several national teams will arrive with strong expectations: “There are very good national teams such as Spain, France, England, Brazil, Germany. National teams that want to be champions.” During the conversation, he also spoke about being part of the tournament: “I hope I can be there. I would like to be there. If not, I will be watching it in person, but it will be special.”
Messi reacted to an old video of Pep Guardiola praising him and described the impact the coach had on his development. “He is unique. There are very good coaches, but he has something different. For me he is the best… When it comes to seeing things, preparing matches, and transmitting ideas, he is complete.” He also remembered how Guardiola changed his role on the field: “I grew tactically with him… He put me as a false 9. In the youth academy I played behind the striker. I grew from there.”
Messi talked about his own competitive nature. “I am competitive. I like to win and try. We had bad stretches and difficult moments, but we always tried to get up… With time I value things more.” He shared memories from his early days in Rosario: “Seeing the Grandoli club and my origins moves me… They are good memories.” He added that he still enjoys playing with his children: “Now I juggle the ball with my kids… The ball always attracts me.”
He explained how he changed once he was on the field. “As a kid I was tough on the field. My personality changed when I entered the pitch. Off the field I was shy, but inside I transformed… I shouted, I wanted to win… It still happens today.”
Messi also spoke about Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes. “Paredes and De Paul are the players you want on your team but not as rivals. They are normal guys… Paredes made a big change at Boca since his arrival. Boca became strong at home and much of that is because of him.”
He talked about the MLS schedule and how it differs from Europe. “It is a reality that our season is different from Europe… This year I felt very good. I played many matches. MLS is very physical, with long trips and matches that break a lot and go back and forth. I hope next year is the same.”
Messi highlighted the work of Lionel Scaloni and how the coach shaped the team. “We have very good players… The desire and excitement are the same as when Scaloni started… New players keep coming, and they adapt quickly. Winning the last World Cup gives confidence.” He added: “Scaloni established an idea… The best thing he did is the closeness with the group… He speaks directly and says what he needs to say to each one.”
Messi described his daily life and his preference for simple routines. “I try to live without pretending. My circle is small… December and spending the holidays in Argentina is the best… I live a normal life.”
He closed by speaking about his family. “For me, family is the most important. They were always by my side. We had difficult moments… My family stayed in Argentina and watched everything… We are very close. I enjoy having them near.”
