Javier Zanetti Confident in Messi's World Cup Participation
Zanetti Backs Messi for World Cup 2024
Buenos Aires, Argentina – December 30: Javier Zanetti, the former football star of Argentina and Inter Milan, has expressed his support for Lionel Messi, the FIFA World Cup champion, to participate in the upcoming World Cup next year. He emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with Messi, but he is confident that the iconic player will take part.
At 38 years old, Messi recently achieved a significant milestone by leading Inter Miami to victory in the MLS Cup, scoring an impressive 29 goals and providing 19 assists across 28 matches this season. Although he did not score in the MLS Cup final, his playmaking skills were crucial in the 3-1 triumph over Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Given Messi's current fitness and performance levels, there is little doubt about his involvement in the prestigious tournament next year.
Zanetti shared his thoughts with FourFourTwo, stating, "That has to be his decision, but I think yes. There are only a few months to go, and I believe he also wants to represent his country again. I have no doubt it will happen."
The 52-year-old, who has over 600 appearances for Inter Milan, dismissed concerns about Messi's age, expressing complete faith in his abilities as both a player and a leader.
"He is intelligent and knows better than anyone how to interpret what the team needs. He is surrounded by exceptional players in the national team. I am convinced that with him, Argentina will be a major contender again at the next World Cup," he added.
When asked if Messi might continue playing beyond the World Cup, Zanetti suggested that it is time for Messi to enjoy the game. "I do not know if that can be seen in the short term, but I think the time has come for Messi to enjoy football. The most important thing now is that he enjoys what he does. The World Cup will surely be an important testing ground to see how he feels, and then he will decide, calmly, whether to continue," he remarked.
Earlier this month, Messi expressed his hopes of participating in the World Cup at 39, stating, "I hope I can be there. I have said before that I would love to be there. At worst, I will be there watching it live, but it will be special. The World Cup is special for everyone, for any country – especially for us, because we live it in a completely different way."
He further noted, "The truth is we have extraordinary players, and it has been shown for years – especially the desire and excitement since Lionel Scaloni (coach) took over. The mentality everyone has. It is a squad full of winners, with strong mindsets, who want to win more, and that’s contagious. You see it in training, in matches. You see them train, and they give it their all."
"We are an amazing group that gets along very well, but in training matches or certain drills, if they have to go hard, they go hard. Everyone gives their all, and that’s a huge strength of this group and this national team. Scaloni and his staff built all of this. The day-to-day atmosphere comes from them," he concluded.
Argentina is set to kick off their title defense against Algeria on June 16.