Messi: “It will be difficult for our rivals” — and he has the record to prove it

“It all happened very quickly,” Messi said. “I felt good, and even though I’m playing for Inter Miami, I never stopped competing, pushing myself. It just happened naturally that I was able to be in most of the national team’s matches.”

“I don’t think about records, or anything on an individual level, just collective goals. This time I’ll enjoy it with much more peace of mind after having achieved it.”

He was equally relaxed about his own state of mind heading into the tournament. “I’m happy, relaxed, enjoying every moment, every training session, every day with my teammates. I’m trying to enjoy it even more than the last time.”

Argentina head into the tournament without defender Leonardo Balerdi, ruled out through injury, but Messi was unbothered. “We had enough time to get in good shape. I think we’re getting there as the matches go by.”

The squad’s hunger, he said, had not dimmed. “The excitement is the same as always, even more so when it’s a World Cup. It’s a very competitive group, one that always wants more, that doesn’t give things up easily. We’re going there to compete.”