The captain of the Argentine team, Lionel Messi, assured that the Albiceleste can be “excited” about defending the world title, although he considers that other teams arrive at a better time heading to the 2026 World Cup, including France and Spain.
In an interview broadcast on YouTube with presenter Pollo Álvarez, the current Inter Miami CF player pointed out that Argentina “is doing well”, although he acknowledged some physical difficulties within the squad.
“There are many boys who are suffering from injuries or lack of rhythm, but when the group is together it was shown that they compete and always want to win,” said the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Messi asked to maintain the usual enthusiasm of Argentine football, but without losing sight of the level of other contenders for the title.
“You have to get excited like the Argentine gets excited whenever there is an official competition, be it the Copa América or the World Cup, but know that ahead of us I think there are other favorites who arrive better,” he explained.
Among these candidates, France, a finalist in the last World Cup in Qatar 2022, stood out especially.
“Today, France is doing very well again, it has many high-level players,” said the player from Rosario, who also included Spain and Brazil among the favorites.
Regarding the Brazilian team, Messi recalled that “it is always a candidate” despite not going through its best recent period, thanks to the talent he maintains in his squad. In addition, he mentioned Germany, England and Portugal as other powers with the possibility of competing in the tournament.
At almost 39 years old, Messi has not yet officially confirmed whether he will compete in the 2026 World Cup, which will be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada between June and July. However, he made it clear that he keeps his competitive passion intact.
“I love playing ball and I’m going to do it until I can’t anymore,” said the world champion, who has a contract with Inter Miami until December 2028.
True to his competitive nature, he also confessed with a laugh that he doesn’t even let his children win when they play video games.
“Many times it is ugly because I don’t know how to lose, it is also what led me to be who I am,” Messi concluded.
