Laimer: Messi is the best, but Austria fear no one

Austria midfielder Konrad Laimer has described Lionel Messi as "the best in the world" ahead of a potential showdown with the Argentina captain at the FIFA World Cup 2026. In an exclusive interview with FIFA, the Bayern Munich all-rounder discussed his country's ambitions, the leadership of David Alaba, and the excitement of playing in his first World Cup.

A first World Cup at 28

Laimer, 28, will make his World Cup debut after Austria qualified for the first time since 1998. "Excitement. I’ve never played in a World Cup before. It’s been so long since Austria last qualified. I just can’t wait," he said. "It’s so rare to get the chance to play in a World Cup. I’m 28 now and about to play in my first one. You just never know what’s around the corner."

The versatile midfielder, who joined Bayern from RB Leipzig in 2023, contributed 16 goals in 47 appearances for the German champions during the 2025/26 season. He is expected to be a key figure for Ralf Rangnick's side in Group J, which also includes Algeria, Argentina, and Jordan.

Team spirit and tactical identity

Laimer emphasized the strong bond within the Austria squad. "Above all, we really are a team. That always sounds a bit like a cliché, but it’s true. Everyone is really keen to join up with the national team; we all want to win matches and play football together," he said. "We don’t just pretend; we genuinely do enjoy each other’s company – even off the pitch. At the same time, we’re all very ambitious."

He credited coach Ralf Rangnick for instilling a clear game plan and style of play. "There’s everything the coach sets out for us, our game plan and our style of play. We’re a team with a really good dynamic, full of joy and passion. That’s how we want to carry ourselves, and that’s how we want to play football."

David Alaba: Austria's greatest

Laimer had high praise for captain David Alaba, describing him as "the greatest player Austria has ever had." He highlighted Alaba's leadership on and off the pitch. "With all the experience he’s gained both as a player and as a person, he has so much to offer the team. He does that every day when he’s with us, on and off the pitch," Laimer said. "He’s someone who talks and communicates a lot, which enables him to make a difference on the pitch, giving instructions and supporting the players in front of him and alongside him. He also speaks his mind when necessary."

Alaba, who has won numerous club titles including the UEFA Champions League, will also be making his World Cup debut. "He has been a pioneer in so many ways," Laimer added.

Facing Messi and Argentina

Austria's group includes defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi. Laimer acknowledged the challenge but insisted his team will not be intimidated. "Messi is the best in the world," he said. "You’d have to ask the other teams, but as far as I’m concerned, they’re welcome to underestimate us. I think something like that actually works in our favour."

He described Group J as "definitely not an easy group" and "one of the toughest groups" statistically, but added: "We’re used to that. We’ve seen that before at the EURO and at other tournaments too. It won’t get any easier after that, anyway. If we play our football as a team, we can beat anyone. At the end of the day, we always want to play against the best."