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Even as Lionel Messi enters the closing stages of his iconic career, the Inter Miami talisman has shown no signs of taking his foot off the pedal in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. His Argentina and Inter Miami teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, has disclosed that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is currently undergoing an intense physical transformation to ensure he reaches peak fitness for Argentina’s title defence.

The secret behind Messi’s fitness peak

Although Messi has already conquered every major honour in world football, reports suggest he is now pushing himself harder than ever away from the public eye.

According to De Paul, the Inter Miami captain has added a second training session to his daily schedule, supplementing his regular club training commitments.

In a conversation with Lo del Pollo, De Paul shared that this additional fitness regime has been in place for several months. He said, “Around two or three months ago, we started following a training plan beyond what we do with the club, and both of us push ourselves to the limit to reach our best physical shape. We decided to do double sessions and we have our own trainer there — we give it everything we have.”

Messi in unstoppable form

Messi’s exceptional form continues for Inter Miami in the 2026 MLS season. The 38-year-old has already netted 11 goals in 12 appearances and provided four assists. In their recent thrilling 5-3 victory against Cincinnati, Messi once again delivered a standout performance, scoring twice to help the Herons climb to third place in the Eastern Conference standings.

De Paul opens up about mental battles

While balancing the physical intensity of elite football, De Paul also spoke candidly about his emotional struggles as a top-level athlete. Recognised for his cheerful demeanour and light-hearted TikTok videos with his daughter Francesca, the midfielder admitted that he often goes through emotional highs and lows.

“I’m someone who experiences a lot of ups and downs,” he confessed. “I have many low moments. When I’m down, I really go down. I’m not someone who stays in the middle or takes things lightly.”

What lies ahead for Argentina and Messi?

De Paul is expected to join Messi in Argentina’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, where they will compete in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Before the tournament kicks off, Lionel Scaloni’s side will play two preparatory friendlies against Honduras and Iceland as they aim for their fourth World Cup crown.

For Messi, all attention remains firmly fixed on his current routine. With a dedicated trainer and an intense schedule alongside De Paul, the Argentine icon is leaving no stone unturned to ensure his physical conditioning complements his unmatched technical brilliance when the World Cup begins across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.