As preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continue, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has shared his thoughts on the future of the reigning world champions, emphasizing that the Albiceleste will once again enter the tournament as one of the favorites.
In an interview with Argentine newspaper Olé, the World Cup-winning manager reflected on Argentina’s current status, the challenges of defending the title, and the role that luck and resilience play in achieving success on football’s biggest stage.
Argentina Will Always Be a World Cup Contender
Scaloni believes Argentina’s history and footballing tradition ensure that the team will always be considered among the leading contenders whenever a World Cup comes around.
“Every time Argentina goes to a World Cup, it is always one of the protagonists,” Scaloni said. He pointed to the 2006 tournament in Germany as an example, recalling how expectations were incredibly high despite the team ultimately falling short of the title.
“The expectations were enormous. It was a fantastic team, and even though they didn’t achieve the objective, for me it was an incredible national side,” he explained.
No Clear Favorite for 2026
While Argentina will undoubtedly be among the teams expected to compete for the trophy, Scaloni stressed that there is no dominant nation heading into the 2026 tournament.
According to the coach, the World Cup will be far more balanced than many observers anticipate. He predicted that around ten to twelve teams will realistically have a chance to challenge for the title.
“Argentina will be there. I don’t know if we will win, but those ten or twelve teams will fight and try to reach the final,” Scaloni said.
Among the nations he identified as potential contenders were Spain, France, Portugal, England, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Morocco, and Croatia.
Lessons from Qatar 2022
Scaloni also reflected on Argentina’s dramatic journey to glory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, highlighting how difficult the path to becoming world champions truly was.
The coach noted that even the best teams must overcome adversity and survive critical moments throughout the competition.
“We lost the first match, the Netherlands equalized at the last minute and we had to go to penalties. Against France, we were leading 2-0 while playing well and they came back,” he recalled.
His comments served as a reminder that success in a World Cup requires more than talent alone. Mental strength, adaptability, and a bit of fortune are often just as important.
The Early Conversation with Messi
During the interview, Scaloni also revealed a little-known story involving Argentina captain Lionel Messi when he first took charge of the national team following the departure of Jorge Sampaoli in 2018.
Before taking over as interim manager, Scaloni and former teammate Pablo Aimar called Messi to inform him of the decision.
“We called him before the L’Alcudia tournament to tell him that we were going to take charge on an interim basis,” Scaloni recalled. “He was surprised, laughing, and told us: ‘You guys are crazy.’”
The conversation marked the beginning of one of the most successful eras in Argentine football history.
Messi’s Future Remains in His Hands
Scaloni also addressed Messi’s physical condition as the legendary forward prepares for what could be his sixth World Cup appearance.
The coach emphasized that the decision regarding how long Messi continues playing rests entirely with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Messi will play for as long as he wants,” Scaloni said. “Even when he is dealing with difficulties on the pitch, he gives us so much. Sometimes it is even better when he is facing challenges because of everything he generates.”
With Argentina aiming to defend its world title in 2026, Scaloni’s confidence in his squad and continued trust in Messi highlight the ambition surrounding the Albiceleste. While the coach acknowledges that winning another World Cup is never guaranteed, he remains convinced that Argentina will once again be among the teams fighting for football’s greatest prize.