Lionel Messi considers Argentina a favorite for the 2026 World Cup but warns that other teams may be stronger. Despite injuries to key players, Messi emphasizes the team's competitive spirit and determination.
Key points
Messi believes Argentina is a favorite for the 2026 World Cup
Other teams may be stronger contenders
Injuries to key players are a concern for Argentina
Messi emphasizes the team's competitive spirit
Argentina won the 2022 World Cup
Mentioned in this story
Lionel Messi
Argentina
Messi says Argentina among World Cup favorites, but other contenders come in stronger
Lionel Messi believes his Argentina team enters the 2026 World Cup as one of the favorites to lift the trophy this summer but cautioned fans to be wary of other teams that go into the tournament even stronger.
Messi led Argentina to the 2022 title and, despite turning 39 during this year's tournament, is expected to lead the team's title defense this summer. But injuries to key players and strong showings from other teams has Messi warning that a repeat will not come easily.
"Honestly, we’re coming in well," Messi said. "While there are a lot of guys going through injuries or a lack of rhythm because of one thing or another, the truth is when the group is together, we’ve shown it’s a group that competes, that always wants to win, that gives everything to be able to try to reach the goal. It’s a World Cup. We know the World Cup always is tough because of the national teams that are there.
"You have to dream like an Argentine always dreams when there is an official competition, Copa América or World Cup, but also to know that there are other favorites in front of us who come in better as a group, as a national team. This Argentina is always going to go to compete and give it all."
Mar. 18, 2026: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates with teammate Sergio Reguilon #3 of Inter Miami CF after scoring his team's first goal during the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 Second Leg match between Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Messi, the Argentine World Cup champion, scored his 900th goal for club and country in Inter MiamiÕs match against Nashville SC.
Q&A
What did Messi say about Argentina's chances in the 2026 World Cup?
Messi stated that Argentina is among the favorites but cautioned that other teams may be stronger.
How did Argentina perform in the last World Cup?
Argentina won the 2022 World Cup, with Messi playing a crucial role in their victory.
What challenges does Argentina face heading into the 2026 World Cup?
Argentina is dealing with injuries to key players and strong competition from other national teams.
How old will Messi be during the 2026 World Cup?
Messi will turn 39 during the 2026 World Cup.
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Dec. 6, 2025: Lionel Messi lifts the Philip F. Anschutz trophy after Inter Miami's win in 2025 MLS Cup. Messi was named the game's MVP in the 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Nov. 29, 2025:Lionel Messi and Tomas Aviles celebrate with the trophy after winning the Eastern Conference final against New York City FC at Chase Stadium on in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Nov. 8, 2025: Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring against Nashville SC during a first-round playoff game at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals as Inter Miami prevailed, 4-0, in Game 3 of the best-of-three series to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Nov. 5, 2025: Lionel Messi holds the "key to the city" that he received from Miami mayor Francis Suarez at the American Business Forum at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
Oct. 24, 2025: Lionel Messi scores a goal off a header against Nashville SC during the first half of a Round 1 playoff game at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals as Inter Miami won the first game of a best-of-three series, 3-1.
Oct. 24, 2025: MLS commissioner Don Garber presents the league's Golden Boot award for the most goals scored during the regular season to Lionel Messi before a playoff game against Nashville SC at Chase Stadium. Messi led MLS with 29 goals scored during the 2025 season.
Sept. 24, 2025: Lionel Messi celebrates his goal against New York City FC at Citi Field. Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami's 4-0 win.
July 5, 2025: Lionel Messi celebrates with his Inter Miami teammate after scoring a goal against CF Montreal during the first half at Saputo Stadium. Messi had two goals in Inter Miami's 4-1 win.
June 29, 2025: Lionel Messi is consoled by Paris Saint-Germain's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia during Inter Miami's 4-0 loss to PSG in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
May 31, 2025: Lionel Messi scores a goal against the Columbus Crew at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami's 5-1 win.
May 3, 2025: Lionel Messi celebrates with Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez (9) after scoring a goal against the New York Red Bulls at Chase Stadium. Inter Miami won the game, 4-1.
April 9, 2025: Lionel Messi scores against Los Angeles FC during the first half at Chase Stadium. Messi scored twice in the game as Inter Miami went on to defeat LAFC, 3-2 on aggregate, in their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal matchup.
March 16, 2025: Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal against Atlanta United during Inter Miami's 2-1 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Feb. 22, 2025: Lionel Messi (10) controls the ball during the MLS season-opening weekend match against New York City FC at Chase Stadium. Inter Miami tied NYCFC, 2-2, in the game.
Nov. 9, 2024: Lionel Messi leaves the pitch after Inter Miami's first-round playoff loss to Atlanta United at Chase Stadium.
Oct. 2, 2024: Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal against the Columbus Crew during the first half at Lower.com Field. Messi scored twice in Inter Miami's 3-2 win, which clinched the MLS Supporters' Shield.
Sept. 14, 2024: Lionel Messi celebrates a goal scored against the Philadelphia Union at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals in the 3-1 Inter Miami win.
April 27, 2024: Lionel Messi attempts a corner kick against the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami's 4-1 win. A crowd of 65,612 showed up at Gillette Stadium, setting a New England Revolution home attendance record (previous high: 61,316 for 2002 MLS Cup).
April 20, 2024: Lionel Messi shakes hands with the officials after the game against Nashville SC at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami's 3-1 win.
April 6, 2024: Lionel Messi and the Colorado Rapids' Kimani Stewart-Baynes (27) battle for the ball during the second half at Chase Stadium. Messi scored a goal for Inter Miami in a 2-2 draw.
March 13, 2024: Lionel Messi celebrates with Luis Suarez after scoring a goal against Nashville SC during the second leg of a Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 match. Inter Miami won the game, 3-1, and advanced on aggregate 5-3, to the quarterfinals.
March 2, 2024: Lionel Messi talks to the media after Inter Miami's 5-0 win against Orlando City at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals in the win.
Feb. 25, 2024: Lionel Messi scores an equalizing goal past Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy during the second half at Dignity Health Sports Park. Messi's goal salvaged a 1-1 draw for Inter Miami on the road in Carson, California.
Feb. 21, 2024: Lionel Messi reacts after a 2-0 season-opening win over Real Salt Lake at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Nov. 10, 2023: Lionel Messi poses with the Ballon d'Or trophy before Inter Miami's friendly against New York City at DRV PNK Stadium.
Sept. 20, 2023: Lionel Messi places the captains armband on defender DeAndre Yedlin after being subbed off during the first half of Inter Miami's 4-0 win over Toronto FC at DRV PNK Stadium.
Sept. 3, 2023: Lionel Messi and Los Angeles FC's Mateusz Bogusz (19) battle for the ball during the second half of Inter Miami's 3-1 win at BMO Stadium.
Aug. 30, 2023: Inter Miami's DeAndre Yedlin (2) and Lionel Messi hoist the Leagues Cup trophy before the game against Nashville SC at DRV PNK Stadium.
Aug. 26, 2023: Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after scoring a goal against the New York Red Bulls with teammate Benjamin Cremaschi (30) during the second half at Red Bull Arena. Inter Miami won, 2-0, in what was Messi's first MLS regular-season game.
Aug. 23, 2023: Lionel Messi celebrates with Facundo Farias (11) after defeating FC Cincinnati in penalty kicks in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals at TQL Stadium.
Aug. 19, 2023: Messi during the trophy ceremony for the Leagues Cup Championship match.
Aug. 19, 2023: Messi waves after winning the Leagues Cup final against Nashville.
Aug. 15, 2023: Messi reacts after scoring against the Philadelphia Union. Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup semifinal, 4-1.
Aug. 11, 2023: Messi celebrates after scoring against Charlotte FC in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals.
Aug. 6, 2023: Lionel Messi scores in penalty kicks against FC Dallas in a Leagues Cup Round of 16 knockout game.
Aug. 6, 2023: Messi celebrates a goal against FC Dallas with teammate Jordi Alba.
Aug. 2, 2023: Lionel Messi scores a goal past Orlando City SC goalkeeper Pedro Gallese during the Leagues Cup.
July 25, 2023: Lionel Messi celebrates a goal against Atlanta United during the Leagues Cup.
July 21, 2023: Lionel Messi celebrates scoring a game-winning goal against Cruz Azul during the Leagues Cup opener.
July 21, 2023: Lionel Messi celebrates a goal against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup opener.
July 16, 2023: Lionel Messi was introduced as a Miami player at an event at DRV PNK Stadium.
July 16, 2023: Lionel Messi was introduced as a Miami player at an event at DRV PNK Stadium.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Mar. 18, 2026: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates with teammate Sergio Reguilon #3 of Inter Miami CF after scoring his team's first goal during the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 Second Leg match between Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Messi, the Argentine World Cup champion, scored his 900th goal for club and country in Inter MiamiÕs match against Nashville SC.
1 / 43
Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Mar. 18, 2026: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates with teammate Sergio Reguilon #3 of Inter Miami CF after scoring his team's first goal during the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 Second Leg match between Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Messi, the Argentine World Cup champion, scored his 900th goal for club and country in Inter MiamiÕs match against Nashville SC.
2 / 43
Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Dec. 6, 2025: Lionel Messi lifts the Philip F. Anschutz trophy after Inter Miami's win in 2025 MLS Cup. Messi was named the game's MVP in the 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Nov. 29, 2025:Lionel Messi and Tomas Aviles celebrate with the trophy after winning the Eastern Conference final against New York City FC at Chase Stadium on in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
4 / 43
Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Nov. 8, 2025: Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring against Nashville SC during a first-round playoff game at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals as Inter Miami prevailed, 4-0, in Game 3 of the best-of-three series to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Nov. 5, 2025: Lionel Messi holds the "key to the city" that he received from Miami mayor Francis Suarez at the American Business Forum at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
6 / 43
Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Oct. 24, 2025: Lionel Messi scores a goal off a header against Nashville SC during the first half of a Round 1 playoff game at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals as Inter Miami won the first game of a best-of-three series, 3-1.
7 / 43
Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Oct. 24, 2025: MLS commissioner Don Garber presents the league's Golden Boot award for the most goals scored during the regular season to Lionel Messi before a playoff game against Nashville SC at Chase Stadium. Messi led MLS with 29 goals scored during the 2025 season.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Sept. 24, 2025: Lionel Messi celebrates his goal against New York City FC at Citi Field. Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami's 4-0 win.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
July 5, 2025: Lionel Messi celebrates with his Inter Miami teammate after scoring a goal against CF Montreal during the first half at Saputo Stadium. Messi had two goals in Inter Miami's 4-1 win.
10 / 43
Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
June 29, 2025: Lionel Messi is consoled by Paris Saint-Germain's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia during Inter Miami's 4-0 loss to PSG in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
May 31, 2025: Lionel Messi scores a goal against the Columbus Crew at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami's 5-1 win.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
May 3, 2025: Lionel Messi celebrates with Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez (9) after scoring a goal against the New York Red Bulls at Chase Stadium. Inter Miami won the game, 4-1.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
April 9, 2025: Lionel Messi scores against Los Angeles FC during the first half at Chase Stadium. Messi scored twice in the game as Inter Miami went on to defeat LAFC, 3-2 on aggregate, in their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal matchup.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
March 16, 2025: Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal against Atlanta United during Inter Miami's 2-1 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
15 / 43
Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Feb. 22, 2025: Lionel Messi (10) controls the ball during the MLS season-opening weekend match against New York City FC at Chase Stadium. Inter Miami tied NYCFC, 2-2, in the game.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Nov. 9, 2024: Lionel Messi leaves the pitch after Inter Miami's first-round playoff loss to Atlanta United at Chase Stadium.
17 / 43
Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Oct. 2, 2024: Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal against the Columbus Crew during the first half at Lower.com Field. Messi scored twice in Inter Miami's 3-2 win, which clinched the MLS Supporters' Shield.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Sept. 14, 2024: Lionel Messi celebrates a goal scored against the Philadelphia Union at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals in the 3-1 Inter Miami win.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
April 27, 2024: Lionel Messi attempts a corner kick against the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami's 4-1 win. A crowd of 65,612 showed up at Gillette Stadium, setting a New England Revolution home attendance record (previous high: 61,316 for 2002 MLS Cup).
20 / 43
Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
April 20, 2024: Lionel Messi shakes hands with the officials after the game against Nashville SC at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami's 3-1 win.
21 / 43
Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
April 6, 2024: Lionel Messi and the Colorado Rapids' Kimani Stewart-Baynes (27) battle for the ball during the second half at Chase Stadium. Messi scored a goal for Inter Miami in a 2-2 draw.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
March 13, 2024: Lionel Messi celebrates with Luis Suarez after scoring a goal against Nashville SC during the second leg of a Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 match. Inter Miami won the game, 3-1, and advanced on aggregate 5-3, to the quarterfinals.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
March 2, 2024: Lionel Messi talks to the media after Inter Miami's 5-0 win against Orlando City at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals in the win.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Feb. 25, 2024: Lionel Messi scores an equalizing goal past Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy during the second half at Dignity Health Sports Park. Messi's goal salvaged a 1-1 draw for Inter Miami on the road in Carson, California.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Feb. 21, 2024: Lionel Messi reacts after a 2-0 season-opening win over Real Salt Lake at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Nov. 10, 2023: Lionel Messi poses with the Ballon d'Or trophy before Inter Miami's friendly against New York City at DRV PNK Stadium.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Sept. 20, 2023: Lionel Messi places the captains armband on defender DeAndre Yedlin after being subbed off during the first half of Inter Miami's 4-0 win over Toronto FC at DRV PNK Stadium.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Sept. 3, 2023: Lionel Messi and Los Angeles FC's Mateusz Bogusz (19) battle for the ball during the second half of Inter Miami's 3-1 win at BMO Stadium.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Aug. 30, 2023: Inter Miami's DeAndre Yedlin (2) and Lionel Messi hoist the Leagues Cup trophy before the game against Nashville SC at DRV PNK Stadium.
30 / 43
Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Aug. 26, 2023: Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after scoring a goal against the New York Red Bulls with teammate Benjamin Cremaschi (30) during the second half at Red Bull Arena. Inter Miami won, 2-0, in what was Messi's first MLS regular-season game.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Aug. 23, 2023: Lionel Messi celebrates with Facundo Farias (11) after defeating FC Cincinnati in penalty kicks in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals at TQL Stadium.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Aug. 19, 2023: Messi during the trophy ceremony for the Leagues Cup Championship match.
33 / 43
Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Aug. 19, 2023: Messi waves after winning the Leagues Cup final against Nashville.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Aug. 15, 2023: Messi reacts after scoring against the Philadelphia Union. Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup semifinal, 4-1.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Aug. 11, 2023: Messi celebrates after scoring against Charlotte FC in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Aug. 6, 2023: Lionel Messi scores in penalty kicks against FC Dallas in a Leagues Cup Round of 16 knockout game.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Aug. 6, 2023: Messi celebrates a goal against FC Dallas with teammate Jordi Alba.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Aug. 2, 2023: Lionel Messi scores a goal past Orlando City SC goalkeeper Pedro Gallese during the Leagues Cup.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
July 25, 2023: Lionel Messi celebrates a goal against Atlanta United during the Leagues Cup.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
July 21, 2023: Lionel Messi celebrates scoring a game-winning goal against Cruz Azul during the Leagues Cup opener.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
July 21, 2023: Lionel Messi celebrates a goal against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup opener.
42 / 43
Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
July 16, 2023: Lionel Messi was introduced as a Miami player at an event at DRV PNK Stadium.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
July 16, 2023: Lionel Messi was introduced as a Miami player at an event at DRV PNK Stadium.
Who did Leo Messi pick as his World Cup favorites?
Pressed to give his list, Messi noted he expects a challenge from some of the usual suspects, including Argentina's 2022 World Cup final opponent and a South American rival.
"Well, I think today France is really good again, it has a lot of players at a great level," Messi said. "I think Spain, Brazil — while they weren’t at their best not long ago, Brazil is always a candidate and has the players to compete in every official tournament. After that, we always say Germany, England are always powers. Portugal has a very competitive national team.
"There’s always a surprise, too. Strange things happen or things you didn’t imagine before. There are a lot of national teams at great levels."
They return to the field Saturday, May 9 when Inter Miami travels to take on Toronto FC. Argentina's next match is a warm-up friendly June 6 against Honduras at Texas A&M's Kyle Field. The Albiceleste then takes on Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, before the World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16.