Benfica defender Nicolás Otamendi has stated he does not expect Argentina teammate Lionel Messi to miss the 2026 World Cup. The former Manchester City player, who recently joined the Portuguese club, expressed his confidence in Messi’s ability to participate in the upcoming international tournament. Otamendi’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about Messi’s potential future at the Barcelona club, where he has spent the majority of his career.
Despite rumors suggesting that Messi may be considering a move to a new club in the near future, Otamendi remains optimistic about the Argentine legend’s commitment to international football. The defender emphasized that Messi’s dedication to the national team is unwavering, and that his absence from the World Cup would be a significant loss for Argentina’s squad. Otam, a key player for both his club and country, has been a consistent presence in the Argentine team and has often spoken highly of Messi’s impact on the team.
Otamendi’s remarks have been welcomed by many fans and fellow players, who believe that Messi’s presence in the World Cup would be crucial for Argentina’s chances of success. While the exact timeline for Messi’s potential transfer remains uncertain, Otamendi’s statement has added to the ongoing speculation about the future of one of the most iconic players in football history.