Lionel Messi, the iconic captain who led Argentina to glory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, has made a surprising revelation about the upcoming 2026 tournament. In a recent discussion, the Inter Miami forward named his personal favorites to win the next edition of football's most prestigious prize, but notably excluded his own national team from that select group.
The 2026 World Cup, set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is rapidly approaching. The tournament is scheduled to kick off on June 11th with an opening match between Mexico and South Africa, and will conclude with the final at the MetLife Stadium on July 19th. This edition marks a significant expansion, featuring 48 teams for the first time in history, which adds a new layer of unpredictability and excitement to the competition.
Messi's omission of Argentina from his list of favorites is particularly striking given the recent history. Just over two years ago, in December 2022, Messi achieved his lifelong dream by lifting the World Cup trophy. Argentina defeated France in a dramatic final that was decided by a penalty shootout, cementing Messi's legacy as one of the greatest players of all time and ending the nation's 36-year wait for the title.
The decision to leave Argentina out of his predicted favorites could be interpreted in several ways. It might reflect a humble acknowledgment of the immense challenge of defending a title, especially with the tournament being held in North America for the first time. Alternatively, it could be a strategic move to deflect pressure from his teammates, allowing them to approach the competition without the burden of being labeled as top contenders.
From a tactical and historical perspective, defending the World Cup is one of the most difficult feats in football. No team has achieved it since Brazil in 1962, following their 1958 triumph. The expanded format in 2026, with more teams and a longer tournament, presents additional physical and mental hurdles for any squad, let alone the reigning champions who will carry the weight of expectation.
Argentina's squad is also undergoing a generational transition. While Messi remains the talisman, key players from the 2022 winning campaign are aging. The team will need to integrate new talent seamlessly to maintain its competitive edge. The qualifying campaign in the demanding South American CONMEBOL region will serve as a critical test of their depth and resilience ahead of the finals.
For the teams Messi did name as favorites, his endorsement carries significant weight. As a player who has competed at the highest level for nearly two decades, his insight into what it takes to win a World Cup is unparalleled. His picks likely consider current squad depth, managerial stability, recent tournament form, and the logistical advantage some nations might have playing in familiar North American conditions.
The host nations themselves will be under scrutiny. The United States, in particular, will be looking to leverage home advantage to make a deep run, having co-hosted successfully in 1994. Mexico, with its passionate fanbase and opening match spotlight, will aim to finally break its quarter-final curse. Canada, a rising force in CONCACAF, will seek to build on its recent World Cup appearance in 2022.
Messi's comments add a fascinating narrative layer to the pre-tournament buildup. They shift some of the spotlight away from Argentina and onto the broader field of contenders, potentially creating a more open and unpredictable race for the trophy. It also underscores the humility of a champion who understands that past glory guarantees nothing in the relentless arena of international football.
As the countdown to June 2026 continues, the football world will dissect Messi's favorites list and debate its merits. His exclusion of Argentina serves as a potent reminder that in sport, reputation must be constantly reaffirmed on the pitch. The quest for the 2026 World Cup is wide open, and even the greatest player of his generation acknowledges that the path to glory is fraught with new challenges.
Based on reporting from Fútbol.