Argentine football icon, Lionel Messi has warned that defending Argentina’s World Cup title in 2026 will be a difficult task, while also revealing which nations he considers the main threats, excluding Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.

The 2022 World Cup final remains a fresh memory, with Argentina winning in a thrilling showdown against France. Lionel Messi’s brilliance, coupled with Emiliano Martínez’s heroic goalkeeping, sealed the victory and delivered Argentina’s third World Cup title.

The reigning champions will return to the pitch next June and July as the tournament spans the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Argentina will aim to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil achieved the feat in 1958 and 1962.

As preparations for 2026 begin, Messi has already singled out Spain, France, England, Brazil, and Germany as the nations most likely to challenge Argentina. Notably absent from his shortlist is Ronaldo’s national team, Portugal.

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

Bookmakers seem to share a slightly different view. DraftKings lists Spain as the top favourite for 2026, with England closely behind, seeking to end a 60-year title drought. France and Brazil follow, with Argentina rounding out the top five. Portugal comes sixth, trailing the teams Messi considers genuine threats.

With the draw set to be revealed later today, Argentina will finally learn its route through the tournament.

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