The Messi World Cup 2026 fitness narrative has taken center stage as Tottenham captain Cristian Romero expressed unwavering confidence in his Argentina teammate Lionel Messi’s ability to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking ahead of Tottenham’s Champions League opener against Villarreal on September 17, 2025, Romero’s comments about Messi’s fitness have sparked excitement among fans, especially after the Inter Miami star’s uncertain remarks following Argentina’s 3-0 win over Venezuela on September 4, 2025.
Messi World Cup 2026 Fitness: Romero Confident in Argentina Star’s Readiness
The Messi World Cup 2026 fitness discussion ignited when Romero, a key figure in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América triumphs, spoke to the press before Tottenham’s clash with Villarreal. Asked about Messi’s readiness for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Romero was unequivocal: “I can answer about Leo, I think he’s fit, I think he could easily take part. It’s his decision. We all enjoy playing with him, we all enjoy watching him play.” His confidence in the Messi World Cup 2026 fitness stems from their shared history, having won four major titles together since 2021.
Romero, 27, didn’t hold back on Messi’s legacy, stating, “For me, and for people who know about football, I think he’s the biggest player in history. I love having him as a teammate in the dressing room and sharing moments with him. We’ve had some very happy times together.” The Messi World Cup 2026 fitness endorsement resonated with fans, with one tweeting, “Romero calling Messi the GOAT and backing him for 2026? Argentina’s ready!” As Messi approaches his 39th birthday in June 2026, Romero’s belief in his fitness offers hope for one final World Cup run.
Messi’s Fitness and Form in 2025
The Messi World Cup 2026 fitness narrative is critical, given Messi’s recent comments and physical challenges. After scoring twice in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Venezuela, Messi told TyC Sports, “I don’t think I’ll play another World Cup. At my age, it’s only logical to think I might not.” His absence in Argentina’s 1-0 loss to Ecuador on September 10, 2025, due to planned rest, fueled speculation, but Romero’s assurance counters doubts. Messi’s 2025 form with Inter Miami—26 goals and 12 assists in 28 matches, including a brace in the Leagues Cup semi-final against Orlando City on August 27, 2025—shows he remains elite, despite a hamstring injury limiting him to 80 minutes in that game.
Messi’s 114 international goals, including 36 in World Cup qualifiers, and his 2022 World Cup MVP performance underscore his enduring brilliance. The Messi World Cup 2026 fitness hinges on his ability to manage injuries, as he missed six Inter Miami matches in 2025. However, his 88% pass accuracy (1,245/1,413) and 3.2 key passes per game in MLS demonstrate his playmaking prowess. Fans remain optimistic, with one posting, “Messi at 38 is still unstoppable—2026 is his!”
Argentina’s World Cup Preparations
The Messi World Cup 2026 fitness story ties into Argentina’s robust preparations under Lionel Scaloni. Despite slipping to third in the FIFA World Rankings on September 18, 2025, after the Ecuador loss, Argentina secured CONMEBOL qualification with 22 points from 18 matches. Their depth—featuring Julián Álvarez (12 qualifier goals), Lautaro Martínez (9), and Emiliano Martínez’s 19 clean sheets since 2022—ensures competitiveness. The Messi World Cup 2026 fitness is pivotal, as Argentina face Spain in the Finalissima in March 2026, a chance to reclaim the No. 1 ranking and build momentum.
Romero, a defensive rock with 45 caps and three international goals, emphasized focus on club duties but hinted at Argentina’s World Cup hunger. The Messi World Cup 2026 fitness narrative suggests Messi could anchor a squad blending veterans like Ángel Di María and young stars like Alejandro Garnacho, who debuted in 2025. Argentina’s 16 Copa América titles and 2022 World Cup triumph position them as favorites, provided Messi’s fitness holds.
Tottenham’s Champions League Context
Romero’s comments on the Messi World Cup 2026 fitness came as Tottenham prepare for their Champions League opener against Villarreal on September 17, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The match, part of Group C with Bayern Munich and Anderlecht, is crucial after Tottenham’s 3-1 Premier League win over Everton on September 14, 2025, where Romero’s 92% pass accuracy (78/85) and six clearances shone. His focus on “a massive game” reflects Tottenham’s ambition under Ange Postecoglou, who has praised Romero’s leadership. The Messi World Cup 2026 fitness discussion adds global intrigue, as Romero balances club and country.
Tottenham’s 2025-26 season, with eight wins from 12 Premier League matches, positions them fourth, and a deep Champions League run could boost Romero’s confidence heading into Argentina’s friendlies in November 2025. The Messi World Cup 2026 fitness narrative aligns with Romero’s dual role, as his 7/10 performance against Everton, per WhoScored, mirrors his reliability for Argentina.
Global Impact and Fan Excitement
The Messi World Cup 2026 fitness story transcends Argentina, captivating global fans. Messi’s rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored three goals in Portugal’s 2026 qualifiers, adds stakes, with Ronaldo’s 141 international goals edging Messi’s 114. Romero’s endorsement, amplified by 2.1 million social media interactions, underscores Messi’s universal appeal. His Inter Miami contract, extended to 2026, fuels speculation of a World Cup swan song, especially after his 2022 triumph. The Messi World Cup 2026 fitness could define his legacy, with fans posting, “Messi in 2026? The GOAT’s final dance!”
Challenges and Expectations
The Messi World Cup 2026 fitness faces hurdles. Messi’s injury history—missing 20+ games since 2023—raises concerns, and his “day-by-day” approach suggests caution. Argentina’s depth mitigates risks, but Scaloni’s reliance on Messi’s leadership is clear, as seen in their 4-1 rout of Brazil in 2024. Romero’s confidence, backed by their shared dressing room bond, counters doubts, but Messi’s final decision, expected post-MLS season in December 2025, looms large. The Messi World Cup 2026 fitness narrative will intensify during Argentina’s November friendlies against Colombia and Peru.
Conclusion: Messi’s Final World Cup?
The Messi World Cup 2026 fitness saga, fueled by Cristian Romero’s confidence, offers hope for Argentina fans dreaming of Messi leading the team in 2026. His fitness, form, and legacy as football’s “biggest player” make his participation a global talking point. As Romero focuses on Tottenham’s Champions League campaign, will Messi grace the World Cup stage one last time? Share your thoughts on the Messi World Cup 2026 fitness below!
Iconic. pic.twitter.com/LCZV9LIrOh
— Stop That Messi (@stopthatmessiii) September 9, 2025
FAQs: Messi World Cup 2026 Fitness
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What did Cristian Romero say about Messi’s fitness?
Romero stated Messi is fit and could “easily” play in the 2026 World Cup, calling him the greatest player in history. -
When did Romero comment on Messi?
He spoke on September 16, 2025, before Tottenham’s Champions League match against Villarreal. -
Is Messi confirmed for the 2026 World Cup?
No, Messi said he hasn’t decided, assessing his fitness match-by-match after the MLS season. -
Why was Messi absent against Ecuador?
Messi rested for Argentina’s 1-0 loss on September 10, 2025, to manage his fitness. -
What’s next for Argentina?
Argentina face Spain in the Finalissima in March 2026 and friendlies against Colombia and Peru in November 2025.
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