Lionel Messi is Still a Threat, Vinicius Junior Makes Argentina the Favourite to Win the 2026 World Cup

Updated: May 29, 2026, 09:31 WIB Published: May 29, 2026, 09:31 WIB

Bola.net - The Argentina national team is confirmed to be at the 2026 World Cup as defending champions. The title they won in Qatar in 2022 has made Albiceleste the main spotlight ahead of the tournament in North America.

The squad led by Lionel Scaloni is considered to still have a strong foundation to compete at the highest level. The presence of experienced players and young generations has made Argentina a strong contender for the title.

One of the players who pay close attention to Argentina is Brazilian star Vinicius Junior. The Real Madrid player even openly admitted that their arch-rivals have a big chance to defend the trophy.

It's not just about the team's strength, Vinicius also admits that he is still concerned about Lionel Messi. Although now 38 years old, Messi is still considered able to be a difference-maker in big World Cup games.

Vinicius Jr is not hesitant to include Argentina in his list of favourites to win the 2026 World Cup. According to him, the status of defending champions has given the team the highest level of confidence.

Brasil is one of the strong contenders in the tournament. However, Vinicius believes that Argentina has sufficient assets to progress further.

The Real Madrid winger also highlights the consistency of the team led by Lionel Scaloni in the last few years. The stability of the team and their experience playing in big games are considered key assets for Argentina.

In an interview with CazeTV, via Goal, Vinicius said: "I also choose Argentina (as one of the World Cup favourites) because they are the previous champions, they have high confidence, and they have Messi," he said.

Although the rivalry between Brasil and Argentina is extremely hot, Vinicius still gives a lot of respect to Lionel Messi. He considers Messi to still be the most unpredictable player in the world of football.

Messi is said to still be able to change the course of the game with just one moment. This is what makes many opposing players feel uneasy when facing Argentina.

Vinicius admits that the greatest threat from Messi is his creativity and unpredictable actions on the field. Even the best defenders are said to be able to be made difficult by the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Talking about Messi, Vinicius added: "He always brings something new; we can never imagine what he might do," Vinicius said.

Despite the fear of Argentina, Vinicius is still focused on helping Brasil win the World Cup title. The Selecao is now searching for their first World Cup title since 2002.

Brasil will face the World Cup under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti in the tournament. The presence of the Italian coach is hoped to bring big changes for the Selecao's journey in North America.

In the group stage, Brasil is grouped in Group C and will face off against opponents that are not easy to win. They are scheduled to open their journey against Morocco on June 13, followed by a match against Haiti on June 19, and closing the group stage against Scotland on June 24. Vinicius is expected to be the main hope of the attack line for Brasil throughout the tournament.