Austria will arrive at the match against the Argentine National Team with respect, but without giving up its ambitions. This was made clear by Konrad Laimer, one of the main figures of the European team, who praised Lionel Scaloni's squad and specifically Lionel Messi in the lead-up to the match corresponding to the second round of Group J of the 2026 World Cup.
"Argentina is the world champion and, therefore, the best team. And Messi is the best player there is. Moreover, it is always nice to face players of his caliber and measure ourselves against them, because it allows us to know where we stand", said the Bayern Munich midfielder in statements published by FIFA.
The player acknowledged the hierarchy of the Argentine team, although he emphasized that Austria will try to seize the opportunity to gauge its true potential on the biggest stage of international football. "They are a special team, with a lot of quality. Obviously, we want to show what we are capable of, but if we want to advance past the group stage, the other two matches are equally important", he pointed out.
Laimer also highlighted one of the main strengths of the Austrian team: the unity of the group. "This national team is characterized by many things, but mainly by one: we are a real team. It is a very clichéd expression, but it is the reality. We all have the desire to come with the national team, we all want to win matches and play football together, and that is something that is noticeable on the field", he explained.
“Besides getting good results, we have a great time together on and off the pitch. We are also very ambitious, and all of that is complemented by what our coach brings us: our plan and our style of play. We are a team with excellent dynamics, very cheerful and always giving our all,” he added.
After 28 years of waiting, Austria has qualified for a World Cup again (its last participation was in France 1998) and the tournament represents the World Cup debut of a generation that seeks to leave its mark. Laimer hinted at this when commenting on his team's participation: "Excitement. I have never played in a World Cup, and it has been a long time since Austria managed to qualify. It is pure and hard excitement. Being with the national team and enjoying everything that surrounds a tournament like this is, first of all, very fun and, in addition, very special. I feel immense emotion."
