Argentine football legend, Lionel Messi, believes defending their 2022 World Cup title in 2026 will be a challenging task. He recently revealed the nations he considers the main threats for the upcoming tournament. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal did not make his list of top contenders.

The memory of the 2022 World Cup final remains fresh. Argentina secured a thrilling victory against France. Messi’s exceptional performance, combined with Emiliano Martínez’s heroic goalkeeping, sealed Argentina’s third World Cup trophy.

The reigning champions will return to the pitch next June and July. The tournament will span across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Argentina seeks to become the first team to win consecutive World Cups. Brazil last achieved this milestone in 1958 and 1962.

Messi’s Top Picks and Bookmakers’ Views

As preparations for the 2026 tournament begin, Messi has already singled out key challengers. He named Spain, France, England, Brazil, and Germany as the nations most likely to contend for the title. Interestingly, Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo’s national team, was conspicuously absent from his shortlist.

“There are many very good teams,” Messi told ESPN. He specifically mentioned “Spain, France again, England, Brazil, which has gone a long time without winning, and Germany.” He concluded, “It is very difficult, but we are going to fight. We are going to give everything.”

Bookmakers, however, offer a slightly different perspective. DraftKings lists Spain as the top favourite for 2026. England follows closely, hoping to end a 60-year title drought. France and Brazil are also high on their list, with Argentina rounding out the top five. Portugal comes in sixth place, trailing the teams Messi considers genuine threats.

With the official draw expected to be revealed soon, Argentina will finally learn its route through the challenging tournament.