The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun, with football’s grandest spectacle set to take place across North America—hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With less than four months to go, reigning champions Argentina, led by their iconic captain Lionel Messi, are preparing to defend their coveted title.
In a candid revelation, Messi disclosed that there is one team he would prefer not to face in the tournament’s early stages: Mexico.
Speaking on the ‘Miro de Atrás’ podcast with former teammate and current Nahuel Guzmán, Messi reflected on Argentina’s tense group-stage encounter with Mexico during the 2022 World Cup. That match, which ended in a 2-0 victory for Argentina, had been a high-stakes survival test. Following an unexpected defeat to Saudi Arabia, another loss could have meant elimination. Messi admitted that the pressure was immense:
“We went onto that pitch genuinely scared. The situation, the fear of an early exit—it was all there.”
Historically, Argentina has held the upper hand in head-to-head matches against Mexico. Yet Messi acknowledged the challenge the North American side poses. Their ability to retain possession, disrupt the rhythm of stronger opponents, and harness the energy of passionate supporters makes them a formidable adversary.
Given that the 2026 World Cup will be staged on home soil for Mexico, the extra support could further bolster their performance. This reality contributes to Messi’s wish to avoid meeting them at the outset of the tournament.
“In the World Cup and other major tournaments, we often encounter each other, usually in must-win matches. Last time, it was in the group stage… Now, for Mexico and the United States, it’s a tremendous opportunity. Playing at home always has an impact—good or bad. But I hope we don’t have to face them right away.”
The table below summarises Argentina’s recent encounters with Mexico at the World Cup:
| Year | Stage | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Group Stage | Argentina 2–0 Mexico | High-pressure survival match |
| 2018 | Round of 16 | Argentina 2–0 France | No direct Mexico match |
| 2014 | Group Stage | Argentina 1–0 Mexico | Smooth group-stage win |
| 2010 | Group Stage | Argentina 3–1 Mexico | Solid performance, confident win |
Messi’s cautious words serve as a reminder that even world champions are not immune to fear, pressure, or tactical calculations. As the footballing world awaits the North American tournament, all eyes will be on how fate unfolds on this historic stage.
