The Legend Speaks Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Roberto Carlos, widely regarded as the greatest left-back in football history, has given a wide-ranging exclusive interview covering Lionel Messi’s longevity, Enzo Fernandez’s quality, and Brazil’s chances at the 2026 World Cup. Speaking to Ole from adidas’s Brand Center Masaryk, the Brazilian legend shared his insights on the tournament set to kick off in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The former Real Madrid icon, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002, admitted that the excitement of an approaching World Cup still affects him deeply. “Every time the World Cup comes around, I feel as if I’m still playing. I get anxious as if I’m about to play it. Anyone who doesn’t feel that doesn’t love football,” he said.
Messi Can Reach 2030, Says Roberto Carlos
Perhaps the most striking claim in the interview was Roberto Carlos’s belief that Lionel Messi could still be playing at the 2030 World Cup. “They take such good care of themselves that in the end they can play longer, both him and Cristiano,” he said of the Argentine superstar, who will be 39 by the time the 2026 tournament concludes.
Roberto Carlos praised Messi’s evolution as a set-piece specialist. “Messi has improved a lot in dead-ball situations, both for the national team and Inter Miami. Even now he continues to improve. He scores many goals,” he noted, describing Messi as “a spectacle to watch — a player with immense quality who represents South American and Argentine football.”
Enzo Fernandez: The Argentine Brazil Would Love to Have
When asked which Argentine player he would add to the Brazilian squad, Roberto Carlos had a swift answer: “Enzo. Without doubt, Enzo Fernandez is very good. He provides the quality to get the ball to the forwards. That’s the quality of Argentine football.”
The Chelsea midfielder has been instrumental for Argentina since bursting onto the international scene, playing a key role in their 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar. His ability to dictate the tempo of matches and pick out incisive forward passes has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greatest midfielders.
Brazil’s World Cup Chances
On Brazil’s prospects, Roberto Carlos was cautiously optimistic. Brazil have not won the World Cup since 2002 — a 24-year drought that weighs heavily on a nation that prides itself on being the spiritual home of football. “It’s better not to be among the favourites,” he smiled. “It’s a short competition. Whoever makes the fewest mistakes will win.”
He highlighted the quality in the current squad, praising the coach and the depth of talent available. However, he acknowledged the challenge posed by other top nations, including Argentina, France, and England, who all enter the tournament with strong claims.
The Secret of the Legendary Free Kick
Roberto Carlos also shared the secret behind his iconic free kick technique, famously demonstrated against France in 1997. “The problem isn’t the three-toe technique. The key is where you place your supporting foot,” he explained, offering a masterclass in the art of striking a curling free kick.
His advice carries the weight of experience from a career that included three UEFA Champions League titles, five La Liga championships, and a World Cup winner’s medal. For a generation of players who grew up trying to replicate his trademark banana shot, hearing the master himself break down the technique was a rare privilege.
Source attribution: Exclusive interview with Diego Macias for Ole, June 2026.
