Argentina arrives as defending champions, having conquered the 2022 World Cup with Messi at the helm. But Messi has retired from international football, and a new generation must step up. Brazil, meanwhile, arrives hungry — it has been 20 years since their last trophy. These two South American titans will define the tournament. Only one can emerge from their region.
Argentina: Defending without Messi
Losing Messi would break most nations. But Argentina's 2022 squad was never just Messi — it was a collective. Ángel Di María retired. But Messi's absence creates a void that only Julián Álvarez and Lionel Scaloni's structure can fill. The question is not whether they can defend (they can), but whether they can do it without the greatest player of all time.
Strengths: Scaloni remains one of the world's best coaches. The defence is rock-solid (Otamendi, Romero, Montiel). Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernández form a midfield that can control any game. Álvarez is a world-class finisher. The team knows how to win — they just did.
Weaknesses: Without Messi, they lack creative genius. They need to be more physical, more direct. Álvarez cannot do it alone. If the midfield is disrupted, they have no Plan B.
Brazil: The resurface
Brazil has not won a World Cup since 2002. This is a drought that eats at the nation's soul. In 2022, they were brilliant until Neymar got injured, and France knocked them out in the quarterfinals. Now, Neymar is still recovering from injury concerns, but he will return. Vinicius Jr is in the form of his life. The defence is fresher. Rodrygo, Antony, and Richarlison provide depth.
Strengths: Attacking firepower is second to none. Vinicius Jr, Neymar (when fit), Richarlison, and a young generation of finishers. Midfield control through Lucas Paquetá and Rodri. The hunger is palpable.
Weaknesses: Neymar's fitness is uncertain. The defence has been shaky at times. They can score five but also concede three. Carlos Ancelotti's tactical approach is less predictable than Scaloni's — sometimes brilliant, sometimes chaotic.
Head to head: Who wins if they meet?
Brazil would be slight favourites. Their attacking talent is deeper. Vinicius Jr is currently the best left-winger in the world and would terrorize Montiel on Argentina's right. But Argentina's midfield is tighter, and their discipline under pressure is proven. If it reaches penalties, Argentina wins.
Paths and realistic chances
Both should win their groups comfortably. If they meet in the Quarter-Finals, it is a genuine 50-50. A semi-final clash could happen if France falters. A final between Argentina and Brazil would be the tournament's most dramatic conclusion — defending champions versus a nation desperate to end a 24-year drought.
The broader context
South America has won 9 of 21 World Cups. Brazil alone has 5. Argentina added 2 in recent years. But Europe (especially France and Spain) has been ascendant. A Brazil or Argentina victory would reassert South American dominance. For Brazil especially, it would be cathartic.
The verdict
Argentina are defending for a reason — they are tough to beat. But Brazil are hungry and have more attacking power. France, England, and Spain are all realistic alternatives. But expect South America to send at least one team to the final.
FAQ
Will Messi come out of retirement? No. Messi has been clear that his international career ended in Qatar 2022. Argentina must move on.
Is Neymar fit for the World Cup? Neymar will be fit, but his injury history is concerning. Expect him to be managed carefully early on.
Can Brazil finally win? They have the talent. It has been 24 years. The pressure is immense, which cuts both ways — it motivates but also burdens. Check Scorelisto's live coverage as the tournament unfolds to track both South American giants.