Messi Warns Argentina: France, Spain in Better Shape for World Cup Repeat Bid

Lionel Messi has said the defending champions, Argentina's national football team, remain capable of winning another FIFA World Cup but warned that several rival nations currently appear stronger heading into the 2026 tournament. Speaking in an interview published on YouTube with host Pollo Alvarez, Messi acknowledged the growing expectations surrounding Argentina while emphasising that teams such as the France national football team and the Spain national football team are in excellent form.

The Argentine captain said fans are justified in dreaming about back-to-back World Cup titles after the team’s triumph in Qatar in 2022. However, he admitted that Argentina currently faces several challenges, including injuries and concerns over match fitness among players. Despite those issues, Messi expressed confidence in the squad’s mentality and competitive spirit, stating that the group consistently proves its ability to compete whenever the players come together on the international stage.

Messi specifically highlighted France as one of the strongest contenders for the upcoming tournament, praising the depth and quality within the European side that Argentina defeated in the dramatic 2022 World Cup final. He also named Spain and Brazil's national football teams among the major favourites while describing Portugal's national football team as a highly competitive side. Additionally, Messi cautioned against underestimating traditional football powers such as the Germany national football team and the England national football team.

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, could potentially become Messi’s final appearance at football’s biggest tournament. Although the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has not officially confirmed whether he will participate, his latest comments suggest he remains motivated and deeply committed to continuing his playing career for as long as possible.

Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer, said he still enjoys football immensely and has not set a retirement timeline. The veteran forward explained that his competitive nature continues to drive him both on and off the pitch. Reflecting on his personality, Messi joked that he dislikes losing so much that he does not even allow his children to beat him in video games, highlighting the intense mentality that has defined his legendary career.

Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has transformed the club into one of the most followed teams in North American football and continues to attract enormous global attention wherever he plays. As speculation grows over whether he will lead Argentina in another World Cup campaign, fans and analysts remain eager to see if the football icon can guide his nation to another historic triumph while competing against what he himself described as an increasingly strong and balanced field of contenders.

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