The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, and Lionel Messi has already identified one team he'd rather not face. The Argentina captain has openly admitted he hopes to avoid Mexico in the upcoming tournament.
Messi shared these thoughts on the Miro de Atrás podcast with former teammate Nahuel Guzmán. The 38-year-old legend was surprisingly candid about Argentina's fears heading into their crucial 2022 World Cup match against Mexico.
"We meet often in World Cups and major competitions, in do-or-die moments," Messi explained. That 2022 group stage game was massive – a loss would have sent Argentina home early. Instead, they won 2-0 and eventually lifted the trophy.
Mexico Always Makes It Difficult
Here's the thing about Mexico: they're tricky. Messi admitted Argentina went into that 2022 match "with fear." That's a big admission from a team that had won the World Cup before and would go on to win it again.
Mexico has a way of controlling possession and disrupting the rhythm of even the best teams. The psychological pressure is real, especially when so much is at stake. For bettors looking at Argentina's 2026 campaign, understanding this mental challenge matters – the defending champions aren't invincible against certain opponents.
Even though Argentina historically dominates head-to-head encounters, Messi recognizes Mexico as a formidable opponent. Their tactical discipline and passionate fan support create serious challenges at any tournament stage.
Home Advantage Could Be Huge in 2026
The 2026 World Cup brings a unique twist. The tournament will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. That means Mexico could have massive crowd support and familiar venues on their side.
"Playing at home has an influence, for better or worse," Messi said. This home-field advantage makes the prospect of an early Mexico matchup even more daunting for Argentina. The noise, the atmosphere, the comfort level – it all adds up.
Messi expressed hope that the tournament bracket keeps Argentina and Mexico apart in the early rounds. Ideally, both teams would advance deep into the competition before potentially meeting. That would at least mean Argentina has built momentum and confidence.
As the defending champions prepare for their title defense, Messi's comments reveal the delicate balance between respecting opponents and protecting their chances. Fans worldwide will be watching the draw closely to see if Messi's wish comes true or if we get an early Argentina-Mexico showdown that could shake up betting markets and tournament predictions.
