At 38 years old, Lionel Messi shows no signs of easing into retirement. The Inter Miami captain has committed to an intense physical programme designed to keep him sharp for Argentina's 2026 World Cup title defence, according to teammate Rodrigo de Paul.
De Paul revealed in an interview with Lo del Pollo that Messi has implemented double training sessions beyond his regular club commitments for the past two to three months. "We proposed a double shift for ourselves and we have our trainer there and we give it our all," the midfielder explained, highlighting the dedication both players bring to their conditioning regimen.
Messi's Current Form at Inter Miami
The Argentine legend's work ethic is translating into results on the pitch. In the 2026 MLS season, Messi has scored 11 goals in 12 appearances while providing four assists, showcasing that his technical ability remains elite despite his age. His recent performance against Cincinnati exemplified his impact, as he netted a brace in a 5-3 victory that propelled Inter Miami to third place in the Eastern Conference standings.
De Paul also opened up about the mental and emotional demands of professional football at the highest level. The midfielder acknowledged his tendency toward significant emotional fluctuations, describing himself as someone who experiences pronounced ups and downs rather than remaining neutral. "When I go down, I go down. I am not a grey or lukewarm type of guy," he stated, offering insight into the psychological pressures elite athletes face.
Road to the 2026 World Cup
Argentina will face Algeria, Austria, and Jordan in Group J at the 2026 tournament, scheduled to take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Manager Lionel Scaloni has arranged two warm-up friendlies against Honduras and Iceland to prepare the squad for their bid for a fourth World Cup title. De Paul will hope to secure his place in the final squad selection.
Messi's dedication to this specialized training plan underscores his hunger to add another major trophy to his collection. With a personal trainer and rigorous schedule coordinated with De Paul, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is determined to ensure his physical condition matches his incomparable technical gifts when tournament football begins in 2026.
