Lionel Messi snubbed his Argentine team as he recently shared his views on the favourites to win the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. The legendary footballer stunned his fans by picking rivals Brazil ahead of Argentina, and calling Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal 'a competitive' side.
Speaking on the Lo del Pollo podcast on Friday, May 8, Inter Miami forward talked about top contenders and Argentina's chances at the upcoming mega event in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. As expected, Lionel Messi picked the top-ranked France as favourites, followed by the 2010 champions Spain, and the five-time winners Brazil.
"I believe that, right now, France is looking very strong once again; they possess a wealth of high-caliber players," Messi said. "I also think Spain is a contender, as is Brazil, even though they haven't been at their absolute best lately. I still believe Brazil is always a contender and has the players necessary to compete for the title in any major tournament."
When asked about Argentina's title defence, the former Barcelona legend said that he is hopeful for another successful campaign, but acknowledged that the above teams are ahead in the competition.
"We know that the World Cup is always a complicated affair due to the caliber of the teams involved. We have to be hopeful, just as every Argentine always is whenever there is an official competition, whether it's the Copa America or the World Cup, but we must also acknowledge that there are other favorites ahead of us who are arriving in better shape," Messi said.
Argentine skipper led the team to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, ending la Albiceleste's wait for the title after 36 years. Messi led by example, scoring seven goals, including two in the final against France.
Fans want Nyemar at FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi also shared his wish to see his former teammate Neymar at the World Cup. The Brazilian was not part of the team's last two friendlies in March and is tipped to miss the event starting on June 11.
Neymar, who boasts a record 79 goals for Brazil, has struggled with form and fitness issues since leaving PSG in 2023. Currently playing at Santos, the 34-year-old star has declared his desire to play in the 2026 World Cup. However, the team coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has made it clear that the player needs to be 100% fit before the start of the marquee event.
Lionel Messi, on the other hand, stated that Neymar should be at the World Cup regardless of his form.
"We want the best players to be there and Neymar, no matter his form, will always be one of them," Lionel Messi said. "It would be wonderful to see him at the World Cup because of what he means to Brazil and to football. I hope he can be there, but I can't be objective, because he always has to be there."
Neymar equaled Pele's record for most goals for Brazil during the 2022 World Cup. He struggled with injuries, but managed to score two goals in Qatar before Brazil's elimination by Croatia in the quarter-finals.
Also read: From $380 to $2.3 million: The wild price range of FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets
