With the discussion surrounding Lionel Messi’s presence in the 2026 World Cup, a France legend who set the Argentine apart from Kylian Mbappe shared his thoughts on Messi’s future prospects.
As Lionel Messi nears the end of his illustrious career, lingering injury concerns have raised doubts about his participation in the 2026 World Cup. With the tournament set to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, one France legend who has often highlighted Messi’s uniqueness over Kylian Mbappe has shared his thoughts on the Argentina star’s hopes of playing in the next World Cup.
For nearly two decades, Messi has dominated the soccer world, earning admiration from fans and rivals alike. One of those admirers is Hugo Lloris, the legendary French goalkeeper who was part of the squad that finished as runners-up in the 2022 World Cup, where Messi lifted the long-awaited trophy. Years earlier, Lloris called Messi a one-of-a-kind player, a sentiment he reiterated in 2018.
“Is Mbappe similar to Messi? No, Messi is unique. It’s absolutely impossible to compare him to anyone,” Lloris said during a press conference ahead of the Round of 16 clash in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Lloris and Messi’s participation in the 2026 World Cup
Now retired from international duty and playing for Los Angeles FC, Lloris continues to hold Messi in high regard. In a recent interview with Argentine outlet La Nacion, the Frenchman was asked about Messi’s chances of featuring in the 2026 World Cup. His response was direct and optimistic:
“I don’t see Argentina without Messi in the next World Cup. I believe he’ll be there. He’s still playing and enjoying soccer. It’s his decision, but of course we want to keep watching him play,” the goalkeeper stated.
Messi recently missed Argentina’s matches against Uruguay and Brazil due to injury. At the start of the 2026 World Cup, Messi will be 38, turning 39 during the competition. Despite his age, Lloris is confident that Messi will still be representing Argentina on the global stage.
Lloris’ LAFC vs. Messi’s Inter Miami
Lloris is set to face Messi in the upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals between LAFC and Inter Miami. The French goalkeeper discussed the excitement surrounding the matchup and his preparations to face the Argentine star:
“I prepare specifically when I play against Leo. And it’s always a very difficult task. Plus, there are great players at Inter Miami… there’s also Luis Suarez, Busquets, Jordi Alba, etc. You definitely have to be prepared,” the goalkeeper admitted.
When asked if he had ever received Messi’s shirt after a match, Lloris gave a slightly awkward response: “No, no… I didn’t get the chance, it makes me a bit uncomfortable, haha. I’ve never been able to get Messi’s shirt… I really admire Leo. For me, he’s at the top of the list of the greatest players, no doubt. I belong to the generation that got to see and play against Leo.”
