With the 2026 FIFA World Cup less than a year away, anticipation is building for what promises to be a thrilling tournament hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Among the qualified teams, Argentina stands out as a formidable contender, dreaming of repeating their 2022 triumph. Central to their hopes is the legendary Lionel Messi, and Brazil icon Ronaldo Nazario recently shared his thoughts on the Argentine star’s prospects in an exclusive interview with DSports.

Messi: A Timeless Genius

When asked about Argentina’s chances, Ronaldo didn’t hesitate to highlight Messi’s enduring brilliance. “Having Leo is a huge advantage over the rest of us normal people in the world,” he said with his characteristic grin. Despite Messi turning 38—and set to celebrate his 39th birthday during the tournament—Ronaldo remains confident in the forward’s ability to shine. “I see him in great shape, and I think he’ll arrive at the World Cup in good form too,” he added.

Ronaldo’s admiration for Messi was evident as he reflected on the star’s recent performances. “I was watching Messi’s games at the Club World Cup, and he’s still got it,” he remarked. “Every time he touches the ball, something interesting happens. He always reads the game well, understands the play that needs to be made. If he loses the ball, he tries to get it back. He sprints 30 or 40 meters.” For Ronaldo, Messi’s combination of vision, skill, and relentless work rate makes him a unique force, even as he approaches the twilight of his career.

Argentina: A Team Built for Success

Beyond Messi’s individual brilliance, Ronaldo also praised the collective strength of the Argentine squad. Under the guidance of head coach Lionel Scaloni, Argentina has evolved into a cohesive and dynamic unit. “I think the Argentina national team has a lot of quality,” Ronaldo noted, pointing to the talents of players like Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister.

He also commended Scaloni’s tactical acumen. “Scaloni has built a team that plays soccer with a lot of drive and commitment. A team that supports each other all the time. A very smart team that also knows how to suffer,” Ronaldo explained. This resilience and unity, combined with their star-studded roster, make Argentina a formidable contender for the 2026 title.

Brazil’s Challenges in a Shifting Landscape

Ronaldo’s comments come at a time when the traditional power dynamics in South American football have shifted. During his playing days in the 1990s and 2000s, Ronaldo was part of a golden era for Brazil, winning two World Cups (1994 and 2002) and two Copa America titles (1997 and 1999). Back then, Brazil held a clear edge over Argentina. However, Argentina’s recent successes, including their 2022 World Cup victory, have turned the tables.

In a separate appearance on the Mano a Mano podcast, Ronaldo expressed concern about the state of Brazilian football. He pointed out a critical issue in the development of players and coaches. “In Serie A, we have ten foreign coaches. They’re more prepared than the Brazilians,” he said candidly. He believes that Brazilian talents, while abundant, are often underdeveloped before heading to Europe.

Citing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. as an example, Ronaldo noted, “He wasn’t developed the right way, because they didn’t improve his left foot, didn’t improve his technical fundamentals, his sense of time and space on the field. He only improved after leaving.” This critique underscores the challenges Brazil faces as they aim to reclaim their dominance on the global stage.

A World Cup to Watch

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Ronaldo’s insights offer a compelling preview of what fans can expect. With Messi leading a talented and united Argentina side, the defending champions are poised to make a strong case for another title. Meanwhile, Brazil’s struggles highlight the need for introspection and improvement if they hope to challenge their rivals.

One thing is certain: the stage is set for an electrifying tournament, and all eyes will be on Messi as he aims to cement his legacy with yet another World Cup triumph.