Messi was lucky in Qatar — Sneijder tips Ronaldo and Portugal for 2026 World Cup

Former Inter Milan and Real Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder has said that Argentina were lucky to win the World Cup in 2022 and that Portugal were better positioned to win the 2026 edition. 

Lionel Messi secured a huge advantage for himself in the rivalry against Cristiano Ronaldo when he led the Albiceleste to their third world title in 2022. Cristiano will have what is believed to be a final opportunity to restore parity in that regard next year, and Sneijder fancies his chances. 

Speaking in a recent interview, the former Dutch international lauded Portugal's equality and determined that to be one of the favourites for the World Cup title. 

“Portugal have a very strong team,” he said, per Goal. “For me they are one of the favourites so then I would say Cristiano Ronaldo has the stronger chance of winning the next World Cup compared to Lionel Messi.

“It was a great World Cup for Argentina in Qatar but they were a bit lucky as well. I think overall Portugal is a better team.”

Meanwhile, it was initially unclear whether Lionel Messi will participate at the next World Cup as he maintains, in interviews, that he had yet to decide

Speaking recently, he was more open about his feelings, admitting that he wanted to play in the competition; however, he said he did not want to be a liability.