Argentina legend Mario Kempes has spoken about Lionel Messi's availability to play for the Albiceleste in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The competition will take place in North America, with Messi, who will be 39 years old that year, potentially leading the Argentine frontline.
There are doubts about the superstar's future in the national team, especially following the 2024 Copa America campaign where he struggled to impress. The legendary playmaker scored just once in the tournament, before getting injured during the final and ending up on the sidelines for three months.
Fitness will be Lionel Messi's concern, as Argentina continue preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. If he remains fit, partaking in their bid to retain the prestigious trophy looks highly likely. Kempes believes that Messi can indeed stay fit, especially because he plays in the MLS.
The Argentina legend explained to Stats Perform at Festival dello Sport in Italy (via FotMob):
"I think Messi will arrive in good shape and fresh, because the MLS is not really very demanding, even though he demands himself."
"I think he will arrive in good shape, but first we have to wait for the qualifiers and see how he feels because he is the one who will decide if he is in condition to come in and contribute everything he knows."
Kempes added:
"You never know what can happen because there is still a long way to go."
Lionel Messi is currently with the national team as they continue their FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, with a clash against Bolivia coming up on October 15 (EST). The match will take place at the Estadio Mas Monumental, and the Argentines will look to consolidate their position at the top of the standings.
Lionel Messi blames pitch for Argentina's 1-1 draw with Venezuela in FIFA World Cup Qualifier clash
Lionel Messi has blamed the pitch for Argentina's inability to beat Venezuela in their FIFA World Cup qualifying match on October 10. Nicolas Otamendi opened the scoring in the 13th minute, but Salomon Rondon equalized in the 65th minute, with both sides sharing the spoils.
Messi told TyC in an interview after the game that the soaked condition of the pitch had seriously affected the proceedings (via ESPN):
"It was very difficult, it makes for very ugly matches. We could not complete two passes in a row. In the second half we did it on the right a little more, but it is difficult to play like that. Very little is played."
Argentina kept most of the possession (60%), while taking eight shots at goal with four on target. Venezuela had 16 shots at goal with six on target. The passing was rather inaccurate due to the waterlogged pitch, as Venezuela made 138 accurate passes (57%) and Argentina made 275 accurate passes (72%).