As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Argentina arrive with the weight of expectation on their shoulders. Not only are they the defending champions after their unforgettable triumph in Qatar 2022, but they are also widely considered one of the strongest candidates to lift football’s most prestigious trophy once again.
Under the guidance of head coach Lionel Scaloni, La Albiceleste are aiming to achieve something that has eluded every World Cup winner for more than six decades: successfully defending the title. The last nation to accomplish that feat was Brazil, which won consecutive World Cups in 1958 and 1962.
While Argentina boast a talented and balanced squad, much of the global attention remains focused on one man—Lionel Messi. The legendary captain, who will turn 39 at the end of June, is expected to play in what could be the final World Cup of his extraordinary career.
Former Argentina striker Hernan Crespo recently shared his thoughts on Messi’s evolution as a player, Argentina’s chances of retaining the title, and the key figures he believes must step up if the South American giants are to make history once again.
Hernan Crespo Recognized Messi’s Greatness From the Beginning
Few people have witnessed Messi’s rise as closely as Hernan Crespo.
The former Chelsea, AC Milan, and Inter Milan forward played alongside Messi during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, a tournament that marked the beginning of Messi’s World Cup journey and the final appearance of Crespo on football’s biggest stage.
Reflecting on those early days, Crespo revealed that it did not take long for him to realize that Messi possessed a level of talent rarely seen in the sport.
He also recalled a memorable UEFA Champions League encounter between Barcelona and Chelsea in 2006, where Chelsea defender Asier del Horno was sent off after struggling to contain the young Argentine star.
According to Crespo, Messi’s brilliance was obvious even then, and the years that followed only confirmed what many had suspected—that football was witnessing the emergence of a once-in-a-generation player.
A Different Messi Ahead of World Cup 2026
Although Messi remains one of the most influential players in world football, Crespo believes his game has naturally evolved with age.
The explosive dribbler who could glide past multiple defenders before scoring spectacular goals is no longer the same player physically. However, Crespo argues that Messi’s impact remains immense, just in a different way.
Today’s Messi is more of a creator, orchestrator, and leader.
His vision, intelligence, passing ability, and understanding of the game allow him to dictate matches even without relying on the pace and acceleration that defined his younger years.
Crespo explained that football fans should appreciate this version of Messi for what it is—a master playmaker capable of unlocking defenses and elevating the performance of everyone around him.
Rather than carrying the ball through entire defensive lines, Messi now focuses on creating opportunities, controlling the tempo of matches, and making decisive contributions in key moments.
Argentina No Longer Depend Solely on Messi
One of the biggest reasons for Argentina’s continued success under Scaloni has been their ability to build a team that can perform with or without Messi.
Unlike previous generations that often relied heavily on the captain’s individual brilliance, the current squad features world-class talent across every area of the pitch.
Crespo believes this balance is what makes Argentina such a dangerous team heading into the tournament.
He highlighted several players who will be crucial to Argentina’s ambitions, including Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Fernandez has become one of the most complete midfielders in international football, while Mac Allister continues to demonstrate his quality at the highest level with his intelligence, passing range, and work rate.
Meanwhile, Martinez remains one of the world’s elite goalkeepers and has repeatedly delivered in high-pressure moments for both club and country.
According to Crespo, these players must embrace even greater responsibility as Argentina pursue another World Cup title.
Squad Depth Could Be Argentina’s Greatest Strength
While Messi remains the face of Argentine football, the team’s depth may ultimately be their greatest advantage.
Scaloni has assembled a squad filled with experience, youth, tactical flexibility, and winning mentality.
Players such as Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul, Cristian Romero, Nahuel Molina, and Lisandro Martinez provide quality throughout the lineup, ensuring that Argentina are not overly dependent on any single individual.
This depth allows the coaching staff to adapt to different opponents and situations throughout the tournament, something that often proves decisive in World Cup campaigns.
It also reduces the pressure on Messi to carry the team on his own, allowing him to focus on influencing games in the moments that matter most.
Argentina Among Crespo’s Favorites to Win the World Cup
When discussing the leading contenders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Crespo placed Argentina firmly among the favorites.
However, he also acknowledged the strength of several European powerhouses.
In his view, Spain and France currently stand alongside Argentina as the three strongest candidates to win the tournament.
Spain continue to impress with a new generation of technically gifted players, while France possess one of the deepest and most talented squads in world football.
Crespo also believes that England and Brazil cannot be overlooked and have the potential to challenge for the trophy if they find consistency during the competition.
Nevertheless, Argentina, Spain, and France remain his top picks to go all the way.
Can Argentina Make History Again?
The challenge facing Argentina is enormous.
Defending a World Cup title has proven one of the most difficult achievements in football history. Numerous great teams have attempted it since Brazil’s back-to-back triumphs in the late 1950s and early 1960s, but none have succeeded.
Yet Argentina possess many of the qualities required to end that long wait.
They have a proven coach, a cohesive squad, experienced leaders, emerging stars, and perhaps most importantly, a winning culture that has been built over recent years through success at the Copa America and the World Cup.
For many supporters, the dream extends beyond simply retaining the trophy. It is also about giving Lionel Messi one final unforgettable chapter on the sport’s grandest stage.
If Argentina can successfully defend their crown in 2026, it would not only cement their place in football history but also provide the perfect ending to one of the greatest international careers the game has ever seen.
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