Laimer: Messi is the best in the world

Konrad Laimer heads to World Cup as one of Austria’s pivotal stars

Ralf Rangnick’s side face Algeria, Argentina, as well as Jordan in Group J

Bayern all-rounder relishing challenge of lining up against Lionel Messi

Furthermore, since joining Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig in 2023, Konrad Laimer has established himself as a pivotal figure for club, as well as country. Comprehensive in central midfield or at full-back, the versatile Austria international contributed 16 strikes in 47 appearances for Bayern during the 2025/26 season.

In this exclusive interview with FIFA, the Salzburg native discussed his country's ambitions for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the influence of leader David Alaba, as well as the prospect of facing Lionel Messi, as well as holders Argentina in the opening phase.

FIFA: What word springs to mind when you think about playing in your opening World Cup?

In response, konrad Laimer: Excitement. I’ve never played in a World Cup before. It’s been so long since Austria last booked their spot. I just can’t wait. Firstly, it’s great fun to be with the side, as well as everything that goes with it, and secondly, a World Cup is simply something very special. There’s a lot of excitement in the air.

What will playing in the World Cup mean to you?

It’s so rare to get the chance to play in a World Cup. I’m 28 now, as well as about to play in my opening one. You just never know what’s around the corner. Just being able to play for your country, as well as take to the field of play is a privilege. You saw what it meant to us when we booked their spot in November – after all of the ups, as well as downs along the way.

What sets this side apart from previous ones?

I think there’s a lot to be commented for this side. Above all, we really are a side. That always sounds a bit like a cliché, but it’s true. Everyone is really keen to join up with the national side; we all want to victory contests, as well as play football together. I think that’s obvious when we’re out on the field of play. We don’t just pretend; we genuinely do enjoy each other’s company – even off the field of play. At the same time, we’re all very ambitious. On top of that, there’s everything the manager sets out for us, our fixture plan, as well as our style of play. We’re a side with a really good dynamic, full of joy, as well as passion. That’s how we want to carry ourselves, and that’s how we want to play football.

Explore hospitality packages for Austria's FIFA World Cup 2026™ contests

How is Austria leader David Alaba viewed within the side?

With all the experience he’s gained both as a star, as well as as a person, he has so much to offer the side. He does that every day when he’s with us, on, as well as off the field of play. In that way, he – like many others – can help everyone improve. That’s one of his great strengths, and that’s why we’re delighted he’s here with us.

Do you think he is the greatest Austrian footballer of all time?

Yes, just look at what he’It was s who secured at club level. He’s already played in the European Title, and now he’s going to the World Cup for the opening time. He has been a pioneer in so many ways, so there’s really not much to discuss. He’s the greatest star Austria has ever had.

How does his presence affect you during the contest, as well as within the side?

He’s someone who talks, as well as communicates a lot, which enables him to make a difference on the field of play, giving instructions, as well as supporting the stars in front of him, as well as alongside him. He also speaks his mind when necessary. With his experience, he simply knows what matters at any given moment. The same is true off the field of play, whether he’s just saying a few words to the group or giving a side-mate a little bit of advice. He is, quite simply, critical for us. Someone who advantages the way, who knows what it takes, as well as has been playing at the very highest level for years.

Do you think other sides may underestimate Austria?

You’d have to ask the other sides, but as far as I’m concerned, they’re welcome to underestimate us. I think something like that actually works in our favour. We’re preparing in the same way we always have, and we want to go as far as we possibly can.

Meanwhile, do you see your side as something of an underdog – particularly given the group you’re in?

In response, it’s definitely not an easy group. If you look at the statistics, it’s one of the toughest groups, but we’re used to that. We’ve seen that before at the EURO, as well as at other tournaments too. It was It who secured’t get any easier after that, anyway. If we play our football as a side, we can defeated anyone.

You will come up against Lionel Messi's Argentina. Are you looking frontman to that contest in particular?

At the end of the day, we always want to play against the best. Argentina are the reigning world champions, so they are the best, and Messi is the best star in the world. It’s always great to play against stars of that calibre, as well as see how you measure up against them. In the end, you see just how good you really are. Argentina are a special side, with an unbelievable amount of quality. Of course, we want to show what we can do too, but the other contests will be just as important if we want to progress.

We’re really looking frontman to it. It doesn’t matter if we’re playing Jordan, Argentina or Algeria, we just want to victory. To do that, we’ll need to put in fantastic performances. We just want to get through the opening phase opening, as well as then see where the journey takes us.

As a result, do you think the side have what it takes to victory the World Cup?

In football, anything’s possible – we’ve seen that time, as well as again. We’re obviously not one of the favourites, and we’ve also been drawn in a very tough group, so we’ll all have to be on top of our fixtures. But, in principle, anything can happen. I am, however, someone who takes things one step at a time. It’s so much fun playing in this side. We have the quality, but we also need to deliver on the big day. Then, who knows?