Messi’s Bold Call on USA26

Lionel Messi has spoken, and when the greatest speaks, the world listens. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Argentina’s talisman has delivered a statement of intent: La Albiceleste can win it again.

Fresh from cementing his place as one of the immortals with Qatar 2022, Messi has declared that Argentina carry both the quality and the belief to lift the trophy once more. “We know what it takes. The team has the hunger, the people have the spirit – and we believe,” he was quoted as saying in training camp whispers picked up by The Dale Blues network.

But his reflections weren’t all tinted in sky blue and white optimism. When pressed about potential rivals, Messi made his feelings clear: France and England remain the two giants that Argentina truly fear. Both nations possess depth across the pitch – from Mbappé’s mercurial pace to England’s rising midfield brilliance – and Messi himself is said to privately admit that these sides are the greatest obstacles to Argentina’s dream.

And what about the others? Here’s where Messi’s honesty shines through:

Brazil – eternal rivals, but in Messi’s eyes, beatable. “We know their strengths, but in the moments that matter, we can control them.”

Germany – a name that once haunted Argentina, now viewed as vulnerable. Messi reportedly believes their rebuild leaves cracks that can be exploited.

Perhaps the most striking verdict came when the conversation turned to Portugal. With or without Cristiano Ronaldo – or the much-talked-about Ronaldo Junior – Messi holds little fear. His assessment, echoed in Buenos Aires backrooms, is that Portugal’s fragile balance means they may not survive the group stages. At best, Messi predicts, a quick exit in the first knockout round awaits them.

For Argentina, the mission is clear: defend their crown, conquer the Americas, and cement their era under Messi’s stewardship. For Portugal, it may be another campaign of hope undone by harsh reality.

One thing is certain – USA26 has already started to rumble in the mind of football’s finest. And Messi’s belief may just be enough to ignite another chapter of World Cup glory.

Exclusive reporting for The Dale Blues, where passion meets truth on the road to USA26.