Lionel Messi, the legendary figure who led Argentina to their historic 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar, is maintaining a cautious stance ahead of the 2026 tournament. As the defending champions prepare to take the world stage once again, Messi has surprisingly played down Argentina`s status as the absolute favorite. In a recent interview on the "Lo de Polo" program, the Inter Miami star shared his insights on which nations he believes are currently in the best position to claim the world title in North America.
According to the Argentine captain, several other teams are entering this World Cup cycle with better form and more depth than the current Albiceleste squad. Messi emphasized that while Argentina’s strength lies in their unity and collective fighting spirit, there are other powerhouses that appear more dominant on paper. His remarks suggest a strategic attempt to lower expectations and reduce the pressure on his teammates as they look to defend their crown. Messi noted that when the group is together, they can compete with anyone, but he acknowledged the rising quality of their rivals.
At the top of Messi’s favorites list is France. The 37-year-old maestro praised the French national team’s resilience and talent pool, stating that they look incredibly formidable once again. France, who narrowly lost to Argentina in the 2022 final, remains a top contender due to their clinical attacking force and tactical versatility. Additionally, Messi included Brazil in his selection, reinforcing the long-standing belief that the Seleção is always a primary candidate for the trophy, regardless of their recent struggles in international qualifiers.
The list of favorites expanded to include European giants Spain, Germany, and England. Messi specifically highlighted the current Spanish squad for their technical proficiency and youth-driven energy. However, perhaps the most interesting mention was Portugal. Messi described the Portuguese side as highly competitive and possessing a strong winning mentality. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging world-class talents, Portugal is viewed by Messi as a team that could go all the way in the 2026 edition.
Despite being the defending champions, Messi’s decision to omit Argentina from his top-tier favorites has sparked discussions among analysts. Some view it as a psychological tactic, while others see it as an honest assessment of the current global football landscape. Messi concluded by reminding fans that the World Cup is defined by its unpredictability, where unexpected results are frequent and momentum can shift in an instant. As the football world prepares for another spectacle, Messi’s modest outlook sets a fascinating stage for Argentina’s title defense.
