FIFA WC 2026: 'Messi is fuelled by his hunger for glory', says Rodriguez
Buenos Aires, June 5
Former Argentina winger Maxi Rodriguez believes Lionel Messi remains driven by the same hunger and determination that helped him become one of football's greatest players, saying the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is still motivated by the dream of winning another FIFA World Cup.
Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, is again leading the defending champions at the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will commence on June 11.
"Messi is fuelled by his hunger for glory and his desire to make history again. He keeps going - nothing can stop him. He plays for the pride of representing his country: nothing else crosses his mind, not even breaking records. He wants to be crowned a world champion again. He's putting everything on the line once more because that hunger is part of who he is," Rodriguez told FIFA.
"Without that mindset and drive, he wouldn't have achieved everything that he has. That's why we're still able to enjoy another World Cup with him in Argentina's iconic No. 10 shirt," he added.
Rodriguez, a former Argentina international who played alongside Messi for more than a decade with the national team, also reflected on sharing a dressing room with both Messi and the late Diego Maradona during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
The former winger said it felt surreal to be around two of the greatest players in football history.
"It was amazing. I grew up watching Diego and his generation. He was my idol. Then, suddenly, we had Leo there too - the two greatest footballers the world has ever seen, with us every day. It felt like something out of a film," Rodriguez said. "Sometimes, after training, we would stay behind taking free-kicks, and Diego would join in. We would watch on in awe as Diego and Leo struck the ball. It was madness," he added.
Rodriguez, who represented Argentina at the 2006, 2010, and 2014 World Cups, said he considers himself fortunate to have been coached by Maradona and to have shared the pitch with Messi for so many years. "One coached me, and I played with Leo for more than ten years with the national team. Those are the kinds of experiences you never think will happen to you," he said.
While praising Messi's remarkable achievements, Rodriguez highlighted the Argentina captain's character as his most admirable quality. "What Leo has done is beyond words, but what really sets him apart is his humility," Rodriguez added.
Argentina is placed in Group J in the World Cup with lower-ranked teams like Jordan and Algeria, along with Austria, which can ease their route to the next round.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I know Messi is an icon, but honestly, I wish more football players had the same passion for their country as he does. So many just play for money or personal glory now. Messi puts Argentina first and it shows. Respect. 👏
Maxi Rodriguez's comparison with Maradona really hits home. For an entire generation in India, Maradona was the football god. Now we see Messi carrying that legacy forward. It's surreal that both were in that 2010 squad. What a time to be alive for football fans!
Great article, but I have to say—Group J looks easy on paper, but don't underestimate Jordan or Algeria. Football has a way of surprising you. Remember 2014 when Costa Rica topped a group with Uruguay, Italy, and England? Argentina can't take anything for granted.
Messi's humility is what makes him so relatable. He's achieved everything but still talks about team effort and dreams. That's what real greatness looks like. And honestly, it's refreshing to see a sports hero who doesn't get lost in fame. India especially needs more role models like him.
I'm not a huge football fan, but even I know Messi's name. The way Maxi describes him—like a man with a burning fire inside—makes me want to watch Argentina play in this World Cup. Hope they win again! 🏆
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