Lionel Messi has warned that defending Argentina’s World Cup title in 2026 will be an immense challenge, despite the nation’s historic triumph in 2022. Speaking to ESPN, the World Cup-winning captain outlined several teams capable of posing a significant threat on the global stage, though notably, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal did not make his list of favourites.
Winning consecutive World Cups is a rare feat, last achieved by Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Argentina now have the chance to emulate that milestone, yet Messi emphasised that the journey ahead will be far from straightforward. “Spain, France once more, England, Brazil—who have not lifted a trophy for a long time—and Germany are all excellent teams. It is very tough. But we will fight; we will give everything,” he said.
France, who reached the 2022 final only to lose to Argentina in a dramatic showdown, are once again expected to be among the frontrunners. Messi also cited Spain, England, Brazil, and Germany as serious competitors, underscoring the depth of talent that will contest the 2026 tournament. His omission of Portugal, a nation led by Ronaldo and a perennial contender, has generated widespread discussion among football fans and pundits.
Brazilian legend Bebeto offered his perspective on the upcoming competition, suggesting that Argentina enter the tournament with a strong advantage. “Argentina are going to enter the tournament strongly. They are in a better position than Brazil,” he remarked, highlighting the confidence surrounding Messi’s squad.
The conversation around Argentina’s potential to defend their crown also reflects the pressure on Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, to maintain elite performance levels into the 2026 cycle. Analysts point out that Argentina’s core squad will need to balance experience with the integration of younger talent to remain competitive against Europe’s powerhouse teams.
The 2026 World Cup will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first tournament to feature an expanded 48-team format. This expansion is expected to present new tactical challenges and increase competition intensity, further complicating the task for Argentina as they seek to become the first team in over six decades to retain the title.
Key teams highlighted by Messi for 2026
| Team | Notes |
|---|---|
| Spain | Strong European contender |
| France | 2022 finalists, considered frontrunners again |
| England | Emerging talent, consistent competitive squad |
| Brazil | Seeking first major trophy in years |
| Germany | Historically dominant, potential threat |
| Portugal | Not listed among Messi’s favourites |
As anticipation builds for the 2026 tournament, Messi and Argentina will face both heightened expectations and formidable opposition. While the path to consecutive glory is daunting, Messi’s remarks reflect a readiness to embrace the challenge and fight for footballing history once more.