"You're always happy to play against the best, and for me personally, he's the best,"
"It's a very interesting and definitely not an easy group. I think it's kind of cool that we're only facing opponents from continents other than Europe - it's like a real World Cup,"
"There's still a lot of time until then, but I'm already really looking forward to it."
Konrad Laimer was named Austrian Player of the Year 2025 and played a key role in Austria qualifying for their first World Cup since 1998. Austria's group features Jordan, Argentina and Algeria, setting up a group-stage meeting with reigning World Champions Argentina and Lionel Messi in Dallas. FIFA draw rules allow two European teams in a group, and four groups contain two European sides. Laimer expressed enthusiasm about facing top opposition and described the group as interesting and challenging. The matchup draws extra interest after Messi's Inter Miami defeated Thomas Müller’s team 3-1 in the MLS Cup final, prompting Bayern supporters to back Austria.
Read at Bavarian Football Works
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