Lionel Messi has acknowledged that defending Argentina’s World Cup crown in 2026 will be a formidable challenge, citing several powerful teams as serious contenders while notably omitting Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal from his list of potential rivals.
Winning successive World Cups is an exceptionally rare feat, last achieved by Brazil over sixty years ago, with victories in 1958 and 1962. Argentina now have the opportunity to emulate that historic accomplishment, but Messi is under no illusion about the difficulty of the task ahead.
France, who were denied the chance to defend their title in 2022 by Argentina’s dramatic final triumph, will once again enter the tournament as strong contenders. Messi also singled out Spain, England, Brazil, and Germany as nations capable of mounting serious challenges, reinforcing the depth of competition that awaits the Albiceleste. Portugal’s omission, however, has drawn widespread attention, especially given Ronaldo’s continued prominence on the world stage.
Speaking to ESPN, Messi said:
“Spain, France again, England, Brazil—who have not won a title for many years—and Germany are all very strong sides. It is extremely difficult. But we will fight; we will give everything.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner emphasised that, while the road to retaining the trophy will be demanding, Argentina remain committed to defending their status as world champions.
Adding his perspective, Brazilian legend Bebeto suggested that Argentina currently hold an advantage over his own nation ahead of the next World Cup. “Argentina are going to enter the World Cup strongly. They are in a better position than Brazil,” he said, highlighting the confidence and momentum stemming from Argentina’s recent international successes.
The following table summarises Messi’s view of the major contenders for the 2026 tournament:
| Team | World Cup Titles | Notable Context | Messi’s Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 3 | 2022 champions | Defending title; strong squad |
| France | 2 | Lost 2022 final to Argentina | Strong contender |
| Spain | 1 | Consistent European power | Very strong side |
| England | 1 | Solid squad with youth talent | Potential challengers |
| Brazil | 5 | Longest World Cup history | Title contenders, hungry |
| Germany | 4 | Historically dominant | Strong, experienced squad |
| Portugal | 1 | Ronaldo-led | Not considered a major threat |
With the next edition of football’s pinnacle tournament still three years away, Messi’s comments underscore the blend of respect for rivals and confidence in Argentina’s abilities. The Albiceleste will be determined to navigate a demanding path if they are to repeat the historic achievement of back-to-back World Cup victories.