Argentinian World Cup champion captain Lionel Messi identified other teams he considers favorites for the 2026 World Cup title, acknowledging that some are in better form than his "Albiceleste" side. This was revealed in an interview with Argentine TV host Joaquín Álvarez, where he spoke on various topics.
"We need to understand that there are other favorites who are ahead of us and will arrive in better form. France looks very strong again, with so many top-level players. Spain and Brazil, even though they haven't been at their best for a while, are always among the contenders. I think Portugal also has a very competitive team."
Messi also addressed the rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, describing it as a natural part of football. "I was at Barcelona, and he was at Real Madrid, so we were competing at both individual and collective levels. People were always comparing us. But our relationship has always been good and respectful. We haven't met often, except at matches or award ceremonies, but we have always been on good terms. Now, we are in different stages of our lives, but we had a beautiful competitive relationship in the past."
Regarding Neymar's participation in the World Cup, Messi was hesitant to be overly objective. "He's a friend, so I would be happy for him to participate in the tournament and for good things to happen to him because he deserves it. At the World Cup, we always want the best players to be there, and Neymar is always one of them."
Messi also expressed his competitive nature, stating, "I like winning at everything! I don't even let my sons win in video games. That's just who I am, and it's what led me to achieve all that I've achieved. I don't know how to lose, but that's what made me who I am."
Reflecting on his age, Messi said, "I'm not afraid of turning 40. Age doesn't matter to me as long as I can continue doing what I love and feel I'm in good physical shape." Messi also noted his limited English skills, saying he understands and can speak a little but finds writing more challenging.
