"I hope we become world champions again" - Lionel Messi on 'crazy' experience of lifting World Cup with Argentina
Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi talked about the 'crazy' experience of winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina. He also aspired for the national team to repeat the feat in the 2026 edition, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Messi played every single minute at the tournament, captaining his side to glory after a 36-year-long wait. He bagged seven goals and three assists in seven games and was awarded the Golden Ball for being the best player in the competition.
Speaking about the unbelievable experience to TV host Marcelo Tinelli on America TV, the 36-year-old said (via Roy Nemer on X):
"We will never again see anything like what we saw after we won the World Cup. People were so eager and waited so long to celebrate again, it was crazy. Five million people."
Expressing hope for La Albiceleste's title defense in 2026, he added:
"Even if we become world champions again, I don't think people will experience it this way. I hope we become world champions again, eh".
Messi holds the record for most goals (108), most assists (57) and most appearances (182) for Argentina. With the national team, he won a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, won the 2021 Copa America, the 2021-22 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Currently, the talismanic forward is gearing up to represent his nation at his seventh Copa America tournament. Argentina are set to kick off their title defense against Canada on June 20 and will also take on Chile and Peru in the group stage.
"Argentina is always the favourite" - Lionel Messi analyzes his national team's chances at Copa America 2024
Ex-Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi claimed that his Argentina side were always a favourite in every major international tournament that they played.
In an interview with show host Marcelo Tinelli of America TV, the Argentine attacker said (via Mundo Albiceleste):
“I think it is going to be a very eventful tournament because national teams are becoming better and better. Argentina is always the favorite, we are like that and we take things for granted, that’s why we took so many blows. Today we are the best because we won the World Cup, but the Copa America is going to be difficult."
Messi also sent a message to his adoring fans, saying that the love of his entire nation was the best feeling that he had ever felt. He added:
"Feeling loved by the entire country is the best, the greatest thing one can achieve as an athlete and as a person. I want to thank you and tell you that this continues and that we are going to try to win the Copa America again but let’s remember that not everything is about winning. I love you all."