World Cup 2026: Messi picks France, Brazil, Spain as top contenders

As the global football community gears up for the next World Cup, the legendary Lionel Messi has offered his insights into the potential contenders, and his words carry significant weight. While acknowledging the enduring spirit and competitive fire of his own Argentine squad, Messi has pointed towards other nations as currently being in a more advantageous position.

“

There are a lot of guys who are dealing with injuries or a lack of match fitness, but the truth is that when the group is together it has been proven that it competes and always wants to win.

Speaking in a recent interview, Messi highlighted France, the team Argentina narrowly defeated in the dramatic 2022 final, as being in "great shape again" with an abundance of top-level talent. He also included Spain and Brazil among the teams he sees as stronger contenders at this moment. This assessment, coming from a player who has achieved unparalleled success, provides a crucial benchmark for evaluating the current landscape of international football.

“

As of today, France are in great shape again. They have a ton of top-level players.

From the perspective of Argentine football fans, Messi's comments are a familiar blend of cautious optimism. We are accustomed to the team's ability to perform when it matters most, often defying expectations through sheer grit and talent. However, Messi's candid assessment serves as a reminder that past glories do not guarantee future success. His inclusion of France, in particular, underscores the fierce rivalry and the high level of competition we can expect. While the dream of a second consecutive title is alive, Messi's analysis suggests that the path to achieving it will be exceptionally challenging, requiring Argentina to overcome formidable opponents who are currently demonstrating superior form.

“

I love playing football, and I’m going to do it until I can’t anymore.