After overcoming an injury suffered a few days ago with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi returned to the field with the Argentine National Team just days before the 2026 World Cup. The Rosario star came on in the second half of the 3-0 thrashing of the Albiceleste against Iceland, created a dangerous play for Lautaro Martínez that ended in a penalty in his first intervention, and converted it into a goal with a shot to the right corner. Beyond the victory, the night had a special meaning for the captain, who is on the verge of playing in his sixth World Cup.
When asked about it after the match against the Europeans, the former forward responded confidently: "Honestly, I'm happy, calm, enjoying every moment, every training session, every day with my teammates. Above all, trying to enjoy it like the last one I got to play, especially at this moment, so I'm happy".
Regarding his own feelings after returning to play following the muscle discomfort, Messi was optimistic. "Today I wanted to play for a while because I had that discomfort since I arrived. I felt very good, I wanted to start already, play a little to get rid of the normal fears when you have discomfort. We have a week left to get everyone fit and arrive in the best way for the debut".
Later in the conversation, when referring to how he managed to stay relevant to reach a new World Cup, he explained: "It went by very quickly and in the meantime, I had a lot of competition. I felt good, even though I'm playing in Inter Miami, I never stopped competing, pushing myself, and during this time, I prepared well to arrive in the best way. It happened naturally that I didn't stop being there, that I could be in most of the National Team's matches, and with the group always strong, I was lucky to be there once again".
The captain also spoke about the expectations of a squad that will defend the title won in Qatar 2022. "The same as always, the one we have at the beginning of each official competition, especially when it's a World Cup. I believe that people are excited about the National Team, especially after where we come from, achieving many important things, and seeing that the team continues with the same desire and the same hope", he stated.
In the same vein, he sent a message of confidence to Argentine fans and a warning to future rivals. "We have the same hope as them, we will try to do everything possible to reach as far as we can. This National Team is competitive and has been demonstrating that for many years now. It will be very difficult for rivals to face Argentina, because it is a group that is very good, very strong, very united, and has the same hope intact".
