• Lionel Messi names France, Brazil and Spain as top contenders for the 2026 World Cup
• He said Argentina still have the mentality and quality to defend their title
• Messi added that his passion for football and winning remains as strong as ever at 39l

Lionel Messi has identified France, Brazil and Spain as leading contenders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while insisting Argentina still have what it takes to defend their title.

Speaking in an interview with YouTube host Pollo Alvarez, the Argentine captain admitted that several players in the reigning world champions’ squad are currently battling injuries and fitness concerns.

Despite this, he believes the team’s fighting spirit remains intact.

“There are a lot of guys who are dealing with injuries or a lack of match fitness, but the truth is that when the group is together it has been proven that it competes and always wants to win,” Messi said.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who currently plays for Inter Miami CF, noted that the race for the 2026 World Cup title would be highly competitive.

“As of today, France are in great shape again. They have a ton of top-level players,” he said while reflecting on the side Argentina defeated in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar.

Messi also tipped Spain and Brazil as serious contenders, while describing Portugal as “very competitive.”

He added that traditional football giants Germany and England should never be underestimated.

Although Messi will turn 39 in June, the football icon has yet to officially confirm whether he will feature at the tournament, scheduled to take place across the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Still, the former FC Barcelona star made it clear that retirement is not currently on his mind.

“I love playing football, and I’m going to do it until I can’t anymore,” Messi said.

“I’m competitive. I like to win at everything … I don’t even let my son win at video games.”

World Cup 2026: FIFA names 52 referees across 50 countries, including six women

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) had officially unveiled the list of match officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, confirming the selection of 52 referees, including six women, for the tournament scheduled from June 11 to July 19.

The global football governing body also appointed 88 assistant referees and 30 video match officials drawn from all six confederations and 50 member associations, marking the most diverse and extensive officiating team in World Cup history.