With less than four months remaining, the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway. This edition of football’s grandest spectacle will unfold across North America, with matches hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. As defending champions, Lionel Messi and his Argentina national football team squad are preparing to defend their title, aiming to etch further glory in their storied history.
In a candid interview on the ‘Miro de Atrás’ podcast with former teammate and current Nahuel Guzmán, Messi openly revealed a desire to avoid facing one particular opponent in the opening stages: Mexico national football team.
Reflecting on the 2022 World Cup, Messi recounted the tense group-stage encounter against Mexico, where Argentina survived with a 2–0 victory. “After the shocking defeat to Saudi Arabia, losing another match would have meant immediate elimination,” Messi said. “That game was a mental trial; we stepped onto the pitch with genuine fear.”
Despite a historically strong head-to-head record against Mexico, Messi acknowledged the challenges they present. He cited their ball possession skills, ability to disrupt rhythm, and passionate home support as factors capable of unsettling even the strongest sides.
With the 2026 World Cup staged across three nations, the host teams are likely to enjoy significant home advantage. For Messi, this increases the strategic and psychological stakes, making a first-round clash with Mexico a scenario he would prefer to avoid.
“We often face each other in World Cups and major tournaments, usually in do-or-die matches,” Messi explained. “The last time was in the group stage… This time, it’s a fantastic opportunity for Mexico and the United States. Playing at home always has an impact—good or bad—but let’s hope we don’t meet them early on.”
The Argentine captain’s cautious outlook serves as a reminder that even reigning champions are not immune to fear, pressure, or the unpredictability of football. As the tournament approaches, fans and pundits alike await the North American stage to see how fate will unfold.
Key Details: Messi and Argentina’s World Cup Context
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tournament | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
| Hosts | United States, Mexico, Canada |
| Defending Champions | Argentina |
| Captain | Lionel Messi |
| Notable Opponent Messi Wishes to Avoid | Mexico |
| 2022 Group Stage Result vs Mexico | Argentina 2–0 Mexico |
| Reason for Caution | Strong possession, disrupt rhythm, home support |
As Argentina prepares for another title defence, Messi’s reflections highlight both the pressure of defending a World Cup and the careful calculations behind navigating a tournament in hostile territory.