Argentina team-mate says Lionel Messi will be at the World Cup, competing is in his ‘DNA’

Nicolas Otamendi says competing is in Lionel Messi’s “DNA” and fully expects the Argentina captain to lead the team at next summer’s World Cup.

Messi has yet to commit to playing in the United States, Canada and Mexico but everything appears to be pointing in that direction as he continues to turn out for his country just 12 months away from Argentina looking to defend the crown they won in Qatar in 2022.

The former Barcelona star turned 38 on Tuesday but is still competing at the highest level – he is currently with Inter Miami at the Club World Cup – and Otamendi believes he will continue for a while yet.

I don’t see Leo missing out on the World Cup – Otamendi

“Obviously, as the World Cup gets closer, he will make his decision,” Otamendi said on Radio La Red.

“But I don’t see Leo [Messi] missing out on the World Cup.

“Leo is Leo, the best player in soccer history.

“Right now, he’s living in the moment. He’s enjoying the Club World Cup. Leo’s focus is on continuing to compete, taking it month by month and seeing how he feels.

“He will make his decision based on how he feels physically, but you will never take away Leo’s desire to compete, to be there, to help the team. It’s in his DNA. Leo is different.”

Otamendi rejects Saudi offers

Otamendi has his own decision to make with his contract at Benfica expiring after the Club World Cup. The experienced centre-half has had offers from Saudi Arabia but is aiming to stay in one of Europe’s top leagues to ensure he remains in contention for a place in the Argentina squad next summer.

The 37-year-old added: “I have options but my plan is to continue competing [at a high level] and be on the national team’s radar.

“I have had offers from Saudi Arabia but have discarded them because we are one year away from the World Cup.

“My goal is to go season to season, do things well and have the possibility of being at the World Cup.

“Although there are many that don’t want me to go, I am still here. Criticism is my fuel.”

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