Lionel Messi snubs Ronaldo's Portugal, picks 4 favourites for World Cup

Lionel Messi has named the four teams he views as favourites for the World Cup, leaving out his team, the defending champions, Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. 

The Inter Miami captain gave an interview with MLS Espanyol, and conversations around the World Cup arose, in which he admitted that defending their title will be difficult. 

He named Spain, France, England and Brazil as the favourites for the title, leaving out his Argentina, Portugal, and other top teams like Germany and the Netherlands. 

“There are very strong teams, like Spain, France again, England, and Brazil, who haven’t been champions for a long time and want to be champions, plus Germany,” he said. 

“Everyone wanted to beat Argentina, and now that we’re the latest world champions, it has become even more challenging. It’s very tough, but we won’t stop competing, that’s for sure.”

Meanwhile, Messi has eased concerns about his participation at the 2026 World Cup, admitting he wants to play, although he has yet to make a decision.

As Pulse Sports reported, he was quizzed about his participation at the next World Cup, and the answer was the same as it has been in the past two years — he is undecided. However, he admitted this time that he would like to play in the tournament.