Lionel Messi reveals SIX nations could challenge Argentina at World Cup
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La Albiceleste will enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup as defending champions.
With just one month until the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi has identified the six nations he thinks may compete with Argentina for the trophy at the largest showcase event in sport.
La Albiceleste will always believe in their possibilities as long as the greatest football player of all time is leading Lionel Scaloni’s team.
With seven goals and three assists during the 2022 competition in Qatar, the Inter Miami star played a major role in Argentina’s first World Cup victory since 1986. Lionel Messi has already scored nine goals and provided three assists in his first 11 MLS games of the current campaign.
However, Lionel Messi is more aware than most that Argentina will not have an easy time in the US, Canada, and Mexico this summer. As he gets ready to defend football’s biggest title, the 38-year-old recently listed the countries he thinks can obstruct the current champions.
Which six nations could compete with Argentina, as per Lionel Messi?
Lionel Messi talked with the YouTube channel Lo del Pollo. He went on to say that he didn’t think his team, which also included Emiliano Martinez, Julian Alvarez, and Enzo Fernandez, are a clear favourite:
“Right now, France looks very good again. They have many top-level players. I think Spain, Brazil – although they haven’t been at their best lately – are always contenders and have the players to compete in all official competitions.
“Then we all say the same things. Germany, England, the big powers… Portugal has a very competitive and good team too. And then there’s always some surprise…”
Additionally, he stated that his Argentina team “will always compete and give their best, just like they have since this group came together.” So you wouldn’t lay your bottom dollar against the Barcelona icon making it to the pinnacle of football once more.
Which group are Argentina in?
They are in Group J.
When is their first game?
It’s on 17th June at 6:30 am IST against Algeria.
Will Lionel Messi be at the World Cup?
He is expected to be there.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.