Can Messi's Argentina Defy the Holders' Curse in 2026?

Argentina arrive at the 2026 World Cup as defending champions with Lionel Messi leading the charge once more. But according to Sky Sports, the odds of history being made are far from straightforward. No nation has retained the trophy on a different continent since Brazil managed the feat back in 1962.

Former Argentina captain Javier Zanetti offered a cautiously optimistic take, telling Sky Sports he hopes Argentina can do it and that the squad arrives with good preparation and the right mentality. Yet he was quick to add that repeating a World Cup win is extremely difficult.

The squad's age profile adds another layer of concern. Nicolas Otamendi, a key defensive figure, is 38 years old. Alexis Mac Allister, one of the younger members of the group, has evolved into a different type of midfielder since that famous night in Qatar. The hunger is clearly there. Whether the legs can match it is another question entirely.