Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, has picked the top contenders ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Messi, whose country are the current champions, also said they are right to dream of back-to-back success at the tournament.

But the Inter Miami superstar however warned that teamslike France and Spain, “are in better shape.”

Speaking in an interview with host Pollo Alvarez, Messi said: “As of today, France are in great shape again.

“They have a ton of top-level players.”

Messi also picked Spain and Brazil as countries to watch out for at the World Cup.

He described Portugal as a “very competitive” team and pointed out that traditional European powerhouses like Germany and England are always dangerous.