Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi has acknowledged the challenge of defending Argentina’s World Cup title in 2026, while identifying the nations he sees as the main threats—notably leaving Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal out of his list.

Argentina claimed the 2022 World Cup in a dramatic final against France, with Messi’s brilliance and Emiliano Martínez’s heroics securing the nation’s third World Cup trophy.

The reigning champions will return to the field in June and July 2026, when the tournament will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Argentina will aim to become the first team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups.

As preparations for the 2026 tournament begin, Messi singled out Spain, France, England, Brazil, and Germany as the teams most likely to challenge Argentina. Portugal, despite Ronaldo’s presence, did not make his shortlist.

“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 have a slightly different view. DraftKings lists Spain as the top favourite, with England close behind, aiming to end a 60-year title drought. France and Brazil follow, with Argentina in fifth place. Portugal comes sixth, behind the teams Messi considers the main contenders.

With the tournament draw set to be revealed later today, Argentina will finally learn its route through the 2026 World Cup.