Barcelona legend Javier Saviola has said that he would like to see Lionel Messi’s Argentina face Spain in the final of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The two nations topped their respective qualifying groups and cannot meet before the final of the quadrennial event, which starts on June 11, with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa.
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Having gone all the way in the last edition of the competition four years ago in Qatar, Messi and Co. are looking to become the first team in 64 years (Brazil 1958, 1962) to successfully defend their title.
Saviola sees Lionel Scaloni’s men as one of the contenders because of the presence of Messi, one of the best ever in the game’s history (as per Marca):
“Yes, yes. We are candidates. Because we have already won the World Cup; and because we have the best player in the world and one of the best in history (Messi).
“When you get to the top, then you have to keep proving yourself and earning the respect of the last world champion. Hopefully we can play against Spain in the World Cup in the final stages.”
Saviola added about Messi:
“He got rid of the burden of not being able to win the World Cup. Now he will surely enjoy it. He always wants the best for Argentina, and this type of player always competes and wants to win.”
Messi won the World Cup in his fifth attempt in 2022, ‘completing football’ in the process, winning all major titles with club and country.
“Let’s hope he says yes” – Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni on Lionel Messi’s 2026 FIFA World Cup participation
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni is hopeful that Lionel Messi would participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America where La Albiceleste are seeking a successful title defence.
Having said after the 2022 triumph that he had played his last World Cup, Messi appeared in the team’s successful qualifying campaign for the 2026 edition. However, as per Scaloni, the Inter Miami attacker is yet to confirm his participation.
“It is a question for him,” Scaloni said (as per GOAL). “I don’t have to answer. You already know what I think. I want him to be there, but he is the one who decides. He has earned the right to be able to decide with peace of mind. We are in no hurry. Let’s hope he says yes.”
Lionel Messi and Co. open their campaign at the upcoming World Cup against Algeria on June 16 in Group J. They then play Austria six days later before locking horns with Jordan on June 27.
Edited by Bhargav