The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway. In less than four months, football’s grandest stage will descend upon North America, spanning the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Defending champions Lionel Messi and his Argentina squad are gearing up to defend their title, but the captain has already revealed a team he would prefer to avoid in the early stages of the tournament: Mexico.
Speaking candidly on the ‘Miro de Atras’ podcast with former teammate and current Tigres UANL goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán, Messi revisited memories from the 2022 World Cup. In that tournament, Argentina faced Mexico in a high-stakes group-stage clash, narrowly securing a 2-0 victory—a match that, in Messi’s words, “felt like a do-or-die encounter.”
After an unexpected opening loss to Saudi Arabia, another defeat would have spelled early elimination for the reigning champions. Messi reflected on the tension of that day: “We stepped onto the pitch feeling genuine fear. The pressure, the risk of an early exit—it was a real mental test.”
While Argentina holds a favourable historical record against Mexico, Messi acknowledged the persistent challenge posed by the North American side. Their ability to retain possession, disrupt the rhythm of the game, and draw energy from their passionate supporters makes them a formidable opponent capable of unsettling even the strongest teams.
With the 2026 tournament being hosted across North America, the home advantage will inevitably bolster teams like Mexico and the United States, giving them extra impetus. In light of this reality, Messi expressed his hope to avoid an early encounter with Mexico:
“We often meet in World Cups and other major tournaments, usually in matches that feel like life-or-death. Last time it was in the group stage… This time, for you (Mexico) and the United States, playing at home offers a unique advantage. It can swing both ways. My hope is that we don’t have to face each other early in the tournament.”
Messi’s cautionary remarks serve as a reminder that even world champions are not immune to fear, pressure, and strategic calculations. As Argentina prepares to defend its crown, all eyes will be on North America to see how the early rounds unfold and whether Messi’s wish will come true.
Argentina vs Mexico: World Cup Encounters
| Year | Stage | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Group Stage | 0-2 Loss | Seoul, South Korea |
| 2006 | Group Stage | 2-1 Win | Kaiserslautern, Germany |
| 2010 | Group Stage | 3-1 Win | Bloemfontein, South Africa |
| 2014 | Group Stage | 2-1 Win | Belo Horizonte, Brazil |
| 2018 | Group Stage | 2-0 Win | Kazan, Russia |
| 2022 | Group Stage | 2-0 Win | Doha, Qatar |
With the stage set in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the first few matchups will likely shape the destiny of the defending champions—and Messi is determined to navigate them carefully.
