Lionel Messi has offered a candid assessment of Argentina's World Cup prospects, suggesting that the defending champions face stiffer competition than many expect heading into 2026. The Inter Miami star believes four nations—Portugal, France, Spain, and Brazil—are currently better positioned to win football's greatest prize, a surprising admission from the captain who led the Albiceleste to glory in Qatar.
Speaking to Argentine journalist Pollo Alvarez, Messi struck a humble tone when evaluating his own team's chances. "We have to realise that ahead of us there are other favourites, who are arriving in better shape," he explained, reflecting on the challenge of defending a World Cup title. Historically, only three nations have successfully won consecutive tournaments, making Argentina's ambition an uphill battle even before considering the strength of the field.
Portugal and France Lead Messi's Threat Assessment
Messi's inclusion of Portugal under Roberto Martínez raised eyebrows, but the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner justified the pick by praising their depth and technical quality. "They are a very competitive team," he noted, acknowledging that Cristiano Ronaldo's squad possesses the balance needed to compete at the highest level. France, who fell to Argentina in the 2022 final, also earned his respect. The PSG era rivals boast multiple world-class performers including Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise, creating what Messi views as a roster capable of sustaining excellence across tournament cycles.
Beyond immediate contenders, Messi emphasized that Spain and Brazil cannot be discounted despite recent inconsistency. "They haven't been at their best for a little while, are always contenders," he said, recognizing the pedigree and squad quality these traditional powerhouses possess. Both nations have vast experience winning major tournaments and maintain the technical foundation to surprise skeptics.
The 2026 World Cup in North America will likely represent the final stage for both Messi and Ronaldo, potentially setting up a dream final between the sport's greatest rivals. Yet Messi's measured outlook reflects the reality facing Argentina: defending a World Cup remains extraordinarily difficult, and the quality of opposition has never been stronger.
