Messi Names France, Spain, Brazil and Portugal as 2026 World Cup Favourites Ahead of Defending Champions Argentina

Lionel Messi has conceded that Argentina enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup as secondary contenders, naming France, Spain, Brazil, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal as the teams he believes are currently better equipped to claim the title.

Speaking in a recent interview ahead of the North American tournament, the Argentina captain was candid about the competitive landscape facing the defending champions. “We have to understand that there are other favourites ahead of us, teams that are arriving in better form,” Messi said, according to Albiceleste Talk via Pulse Sports.

Messi elaborated on his reasoning, highlighting the depth of quality within several rival squads. “France are looking very strong once again, with so many top-level players. Spain too, Brazil, even though they haven’t been at their best for a while, they are always contenders,” he added. He completed his list of favourites by singling out Portugal, describing them as a “very competitive national team” heading into the competition.

The assessment is notable given Argentina’s standing as reigning world champions following their victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Messi captained the side to a dramatic final triumph over France on penalties. That win ended Argentina’s 36-year wait for the title and is widely regarded as the defining moment of Messi’s international career.

Despite ceding the favourites tag to France, Spain, Brazil, and Portugal, Messi stopped short of dismissing Lionel Scaloni’s side as genuine contenders. The 2022 champion made clear that Argentina intend to compete at the highest level and remain determined to defend their title, regardless of how rivals are currently perceived.

One significant variable surrounding Argentina’s prospects is whether Messi himself will feature. The Inter Miami forward has not officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 tournament. He has consistently stated that his availability will be determined solely by his physical condition as the competition approaches, leaving the question open as the squad prepares for the summer showpiece.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first edition of the expanded 48-team format. The tournament is scheduled to run from June to July 2026, with the final to be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. France, one of the nations Messi highlighted, are themselves former champions, having won the title in 1998 and 2018, and were runners-up at the 2022 edition in Qatar. Brazil, the most decorated nation in World Cup history with five titles, have not won the tournament since 2002. Spain, winners in 2010, have shown strong recent form under their current setup.

Messi, who turns 39 during the 2026 tournament window, would become one of the oldest players to appear in a World Cup should he confirm his participation. His final involvement in the competition adds further intrigue to Argentina’s campaign and to the broader narrative surrounding the event.