Zabaleta Tips Argentina and Messi to Capture 2026 World Cup Title

"Defenders still fear him around the penalty box." That's Pablo Zabaleta's assessment of Lionel Messi heading into the 2026 World Cup — and when it comes from a teammate who shared the pitch with him 46 times for Argentina, it holds considerably more credibility than typical punditry.

The former Manchester City defender, currently serving as assistant coach for Albania's national team, has thrown his support behind Argentina to retain their World Cup crown when the tournament hits North America this summer. While he mentioned England and Portugal as teams to monitor, Zabaleta clearly didn't rank them as favourites.

Messi at 38 — Still a Game-Changer

The inevitable question surrounding Argentina remains constant: what does Messi have left in the tank? Zabaleta's response is measured and realistic. He acknowledges Messi isn't the same player he was eight years ago. His point, however, is that it's irrelevant.

"His dribbling ability, his vision for the decisive pass, his capability to cut inside and pick out the far corner, his set-piece expertise — only a footballer of his calibre can generate those crucial moments." This isn't nostalgia talking. It's a tactical evaluation from someone who spent years training alongside the Argentine maestro.

The statistics support his argument. Messi has netted five goals across six appearances for Inter Miami in 2026, finding the back of the net every 108 minutes on average. He led the club to their maiden MLS Cup last December. Rather than embarking on a ceremonial goodbye tour, he's gearing up for one final legitimate shot at capturing a second World Cup trophy.

Messi is anticipated to suit up against Mauritania in Buenos Aires this Friday, with Argentina's friendly matches against Mauritania and Zambia scheduled for March 27 and 31 providing crucial preparation before the tournament officially begins on June 11. Inter Miami have approximately ten additional fixtures on the calendar before that date, with manager Javier Mascherano carefully monitoring his playing time.

England and Portugal Enter the Discussion

Zabaleta identified England — now under Thomas Tuchel's guidance — as legitimate challengers, highlighting their individual talent and enhanced tactical organization. Portugal received a mention as well, though with limited detail. Both selections make sense; both are also squads that have been labeled dark horses for roughly ten years without fulfilling expectations.

Argentina's World Cup betting odds will strengthen substantially if Messi enters the tournament displaying the form he's demonstrated in Major League Soccer. The distinction between an aging legend and a tournament-defining force often hinges on three or four critical moments throughout seven matches. Zabaleta's argument is straightforward: Messi continues to manufacture those moments. Until someone demonstrates otherwise, that's the smart wager.

"When I witnessed Messi hoist the World Cup trophy in Qatar," Zabaleta reflected, "even supporters with no connection to Argentina were cheering them on, simply because of what he represents to football." Whether that universal support carries over in North America remains uncertain. But the on-field argument for Argentina stands as compelling as any nation's.