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Messi identifies Brazil as 2026 World Cup favorite over Argentina

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 5, 2026, 8:11 PM

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

Messi identifies Brazil as 2026 World Cup favorite over Argentina

Summary

Lionel Messi shared his thoughts on the 2026 World Cup, naming Brazil as a leading contender despite their recent inconsistent performance. He acknowledges Brazil's talent pipeline and depth under new coach Carlo Ancelotti, alongside France, Spain, and Portugal as strong competitors. Messi cautioned that defending champions Argentina face unique challenges, including dealing with injuries in their squad. The expanded tournament across North America is likely to test teams' adaptability, and Messi stated that no team can feel secure, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the competition.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Messi views Brazil as always a World Cup contender.
•Brazil is positioned with tactical flexibility under Carlo Ancelotti.
•Argentina faces challenges defending their World Cup title.
•Tournament format across North America increases unpredictability.
•Messi's comments highlight the competitive ahead of 2026.

Latest Updates

8:11 PMYahoo Sports — Why Messi Sees Brazil as 2026 World Cup Favorites Over Argentina

What they're saying

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Lionel Messi has identified Brazil as a top contender for the 2026 World Cup, stating "Brazil is always a candidate" despite the team's recent inconsistent form. The Argentina captain acknowledged tha...
— Yahoo Sports

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