As Argentina prepares to defend their World Cup crown, football fans remain divided—and in many cases, skeptical—about Lionel Messi’s chances of delivering back-to-back triumphs. Social media polls conducted by the New Straits Times reveal a cautious outlook, with a majority of respondents expressing doubts about Argentina’s ability to retain the title they won in Qatar four years ago.
Sentiment was particularly split on Instagram, where 52% of users voted against another World Cup win under Messi’s leadership, while 48% remained optimistic. Other platforms showed even greater skepticism: 67% of Instagram poll participants and 72% of WhatsApp users said “No” to Argentina’s repeat hopes, with Telegram users similarly unconvinced at 64%.
Despite these doubts, Messi—now 39 and one of the sport’s enduring icons—remains at the heart of Lionel Scaloni’s plans for the 2026 tournament. The Inter Miami forward is set for a record sixth World Cup appearance, leading a squad that retains much of the core from Argentina’s 2022 championship run.
Argentina faces Group J opponents Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, but fans are concerned whether Messi can withstand the physical demands of another gruelling World Cup. Reports indicate he joined the national team’s camp in Kansas City while managing muscle fatigue, yet Scaloni’s faith in his captain has not wavered.
No team has managed to defend the World Cup since Brazil’s back-to-back wins in 1958 and 1962, underscoring the scale of Argentina’s challenge. While the Albiceleste enters the tournament as a favorite, public confidence in Messi’s ability to repeat history is far from unanimous.
