Argentine football icon Lionel Messi has issued a warning. He believes defending Argentina’s World Cup title in 2026 will be a difficult task. Messi also revealed the nations he considers major threats. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal was conspicuously left out.
The 2022 World Cup final is still fresh in memory. Argentina secured a thrilling victory against France. Lionel Messi’s brilliance shone through. Emiliano Martínez’s heroic goalkeeping also played a key role. Together, they sealed Argentina’s third World Cup title.
The reigning champions return to the pitch next June and July. The tournament will span the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Argentina aims for a historic achievement. They seek to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cups. Brazil last did this in 1958 and 1962.
Preparations for the 2026 World Cup have begun. Messi has already named his top challengers. He singled out Spain, France, England, Brazil, and Germany. Significantly, Ronaldo’s national team, Portugal, was not on his list.
Messi shared his thoughts with ESPN. He said, “There are many very good teams.” He listed “Spain, France again, England, Brazil, which has gone a long time without winning, and Germany.” Messi added, “It is very difficult, but we are going to fight. We are going to give everything.”
Bookmakers hold a slightly different view. DraftKings names Spain as the top favourite for 2026. England follows closely, hoping to end a 60-year title drought. France and Brazil come next. Argentina completes the top five. Portugal ranks sixth, behind Messi’s chosen threats.
The draw is expected to be revealed later today. Argentina will soon learn its path through the tournament.
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