As the footballing world counts down to the 2026 World Cup, Argentine captain Lionel Messi has offered his assessment of the tournament favourites while acknowledging the immense challenge that lies ahead for the defending champions. Speaking candidly in a recent interview with ESPN, the 38-year-old legend identified the teams he believes pose the greatest threat to Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.
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Messi’s Tournament Favourites
When asked about potential challengers for football’s ultimate prize, Messi was measured in his response, recognizing the strength across multiple contenders. The Inter Miami forward identified several powerhouses who will arrive at the tournament with genuine aspirations of lifting the trophy.
Spain, the reigning European champions, feature prominently in Messi’s assessment. La Roja dominated Euro 2024 with a scintillating brand of football led by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who became the youngest player to feature in a major tournament final just after his 17th birthday. Under Luis de la Fuente’s guidance, Spain have established themselves as one of the most cohesive and technically gifted sides in world football.
France, who faced Argentina in that unforgettable 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, remain formidable contenders. Les Bleus boast one of the tournament’s most talented squads, spearheaded by Kylian Mbappé, and will be competing in their final tournament under Didier Deschamps before the legendary coach steps down. France’s consistency at major tournaments over the past decade—winning in 2018 and reaching the final in 2022—makes them a team no opponent can afford to underestimate.
England, under the guidance of former Champions League-winning coach Thomas Tuchel, also earned Messi’s recognition. The Three Lions have been perennial contenders in recent years, reaching the Euro 2020 final and the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals, and possess a squad brimming with talent across every position.
Perhaps most intriguingly, Messi highlighted Brazil, noting specifically that the five-time champions are hungry to end their trophy drought. The Seleção haven’t lifted the World Cup since 2002, and with Carlo Ancelotti now at the helm, they enter the tournament with renewed optimism despite recent struggles. Messi acknowledged their pedigree and the dangerous combination of world-class players and a proven winning coach.
Germany, the 2014 champions, rounded out Messi’s list of contenders. The Germans have endured a difficult period by their lofty standards but remain a nation capable of rising to the occasion when the World Cup arrives.
The Weight of Being Champions
Beyond identifying potential rivals, Messi reflected on the unique position Argentina now occupies as defending champions. The burden of expectation has shifted dramatically since their triumph in Qatar, where they ended a 36-year wait for football’s greatest prize.
Messi explained that winning the World Cup removed an enormous weight from the team’s shoulders, allowing them to compete without the crushing pressure that had defined previous campaigns. However, he was quick to note that this newfound freedom comes with its own challenges. Every team now approaches matches against Argentina with extra motivation and intensity, determined to topple the world champions.
The Argentine captain emphasized the difficulty inherent in World Cup competition, noting that any team can create problems and eliminate favorites. He recalled how Argentina’s path to glory in 2022 required penalty shootout victories over both the Netherlands and France, matches in which Argentina were superior but still needed goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez’s heroics to prevail. These experiences have taught Messi that World Cup success depends not just on quality but on fine margins—a ball hitting the post, a refereeing decision, or the outcome of a penalty shootout.
Argentina’s Determination
Despite the challenges ahead, Messi expressed confidence in Argentina’s collective spirit and determination. The squad that triumphed in Qatar has remained largely intact under coach Lionel Scaloni, with fresh talent continuing to emerge and integrate seamlessly into the system. Argentina topped the CONMEBOL qualifying standings with 38 points from 18 matches, with Messi finishing as the region’s top scorer for the first time in his illustrious career.
The 2026 World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, represents a historic occasion for multiple reasons. It marks the first time the tournament will be hosted by three nations simultaneously and the first edition featuring 48 teams. For Messi, it will be a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance, matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s achievement.
As the tournament draw approaches and anticipation builds, Messi’s words serve as both a realistic assessment of the competitive landscape and a declaration of Argentina’s unwavering commitment to defending their crown. While acknowledging the quality of their rivals, the Argentine captain made it clear that his team will not shy away from the challenge of making history.
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FAQs
When and where will the 2026 World Cup take place?
The 2026 World Cup will be held from June to July 2026 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The final will take place on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This will be the first World Cup hosted by three nations simultaneously and the first edition featuring 48 teams instead of the traditional 32.
Which teams did Lionel Messi identify as favourites for the 2026 World Cup?
Messi identified Spain, France, England, Brazil, and Germany as the main contenders for the 2026 World Cup. He specifically noted that Brazil are hungry to win after not claiming the trophy since 2002, and praised Spain, France, and England for their strong squads and recent performances at major tournaments.
Will the 2026 World Cup be Lionel Messi’s last international tournament?
While Messi has not definitively confirmed retirement after the 2026 World Cup, it is widely expected to be his final appearance at the tournament. At 38 years old, he would be competing in his sixth World Cup, a record he will share with Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi has expressed hope that he can participate but has taken a day-by-day approach to his fitness and availability.
When was the last time a team successfully defended the World Cup title?
The last team to successfully defend the World Cup title was Brazil in 1962, when they won in Chile four years after their 1958 triumph in Sweden. Since then, no defending champion has managed to retain the trophy, making Argentina’s quest to repeat as champions in 2026 a historic challenge. Italy also won consecutive titles in 1934 and 1938.
How did Argentina perform in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup?
Argentina dominated CONMEBOL qualifying, finishing at the top of the standings with 38 points from 18 matches. Lionel Messi finished as the region’s top scorer for the first time in his career. Following their 2022 World Cup triumph, Argentina also won the 2024 Copa América, demonstrating remarkable consistency and cementing their status as one of the tournament favourites for 2026.