A few weeks before the start of the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi made a statement that quickly generated a lot of buzz among Argentine fans. The captain of the Albiceleste analyzed the current situation of the main teams and assured that there are teams that arrive better positioned than Argentina to compete for the title. “We know that ahead of us there are other favorites who arrive better. We have to be as excited as we always are as Argentines. This Argentina will compete as always”, Messi said in an interview with Pollo Álvarez. The Rosario native mentioned France as one of the strongest teams facing the tournament. “France is very good again, it has many top-level players”, he said. He also highlighted the potential of Spain and Brazil. About the Brazilian team, he noted that “although it is not in its best moment, it is always a candidate”. Messi also included Germany, England and Portugal among the title contenders. However, the world champion showed confidence in the group led by Lionel Scaloni and valued the competitive mentality of the team. “There are kids who come with injuries or lack of rhythm, but this group always wants to win and leaves everything”, he said. The Argentine team will debut in the World Cup on June 16 against Algeria, in the start of the journey to defend the title won in Qatar 2022.