Messi doesn't see Argentina as World Cup contenders: «Others are ahead» | OneFootball

Leo shared his thoughts on what the World Cup will be like and, although he could not hide his excitement about winning back-to-back titles, he admitted that there are other contenders for the trophy who “are coming in better.”

So far, beyond the countless questions he has been asked about it, Lionel Messi has never, ever confirmed his presence at the 2026 World Cup. But it is clear that, as the competitive genius he is, he has no intention of missing it. He is preparing for what will probably be his last dance with the Argentina national team at the age of 40 (he will turn 40 in the middle of the tournament), and the desire to embrace glory once again remains intact. Although he was also candid and admitted that they are not the main favorites.

“(Argentina) is in a good place. Although today there are many guys dealing with injuries and a lack of match rhythm, the truth is that the group is united. It has been proven that this is a group that competes, always wants to win, and gives everything to try to achieve its goals. We have to dream, just as Argentinians always do whenever there is an official competition, whether it is the Copa América or the World Cup, but we also have to know that ahead of us there are other favorites, who are coming in better as a group and as a national team”, Leo said on the program Lo del Pollo.

His remarks, grounded and far from getting swept up in World Cup euphoria, help identify where the national team stands heading into the World Cup. It is not the favorite, as it was in Qatar, but No. 10 made it clear that everyone will give their heart and soul for back-to-back titles: “This Argentina team will always go out there to compete and give its maximum, as it has done ever since this group came together.”

As for the title contenders, those national teams that are a step above La Albiceleste, Messi answered with the same speed he shows on the pitch: “As things stand today, France looks very good once again. It has a huge number of top-level players. I also think Spain, Brazil, which although it has not been at its best for a little while is always a contender and has the players to fight in every official competition.”

Already sounding like a seasoned veteran repeating the usual lines, the Inter Miami star wrapped up his analysis with just over a month to go before the ball starts rolling:

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.