In an interview for FIFA, the Argentine forward spoke about the excitement of defending the title won in 2022, highlighted the healthy competition he has with Lautaro Martínez, and referred to Messi's possible farewell.
With just under three weeks to go until the debut of the Argentine National Team in the 2026 World Cup, Julián Álvarez made it clear that the team's goal under Lionel Scaloni is once again to fight for the title. The Atlético de Madrid forward assured that the hope of repeating what was achieved in Qatar remains intact and emphasized the ambition of the world champion squad.
"As an Argentine, the hope is always there, and we always think about being champions; it won't be any other way. We want to reach the final", he expressed in an interview with the official FIFA website. While he highlighted the group's confidence, he also made it clear the difficulty of defending the title. "We know it's not easy, that it's a World Cup, and that details matter a lot. Anything can happen, but we are preparing in the best way and taking it step by step", he added.
"Playing in this World Cup as world champions is simply incredible. I feel immense pride. As always, we want to defend our title, and why not bring this joy back to our nation?", he commented.
In the conversation, he also referred to the internal competition he has with Lautaro Martínez for a spot in the Argentine attack. Far from speaking of rivalry, the former River player highlighted the football and personal relationship with the Inter forward. "We compete and share the field with Lautaro; for me, it's a pleasure. When we play together, we do well, and when it's one or the other’s turn, the important thing is that we all want the best for the team", he stated.
Julián Álvarez highlights the internal competition he has with Lautaro Martínez.
Additionally, he emphasized that this healthy competition benefits the group. "Internal competition makes the other grow, to be better every day. It has always happened in all teams that when there is such great and healthy competition, it makes us all improve and grow more", he explained.
The possible farewell of Messi
Another unavoidable topic was Lionel Messi and the possibility that he will play his last World Cup. Álvarez acknowledged the special impact of the captain's presence both inside and outside the squad. "We all know this could be Leo's last World Cup, probably due to his age, although the decision is his", he commented.
Julián Álvarez assured that the 2026 World Cup will be special as it may be Messi's last.
And he added: "It will be a very special World Cup, especially for that reason. And not only for us, his teammates, and for all Argentines, but also for anyone who watches and follows him, as he is the best player of all time. Of course, he has a huge impact worldwide".
The best team in history?
At one point in the interview, the Spider was asked if he believes that, in the event of winning back-to-back titles, the Argentine National Team could become the best of all time, and he did not hesitate: "If we win the World Cup again, it will go down in history because we would become two-time world champions, in addition to having won two Copa América titles in between".
Julián Álvarez assured that this Argentine National Team will go down in history if they achieve back-to-back championships.
"I believe the last few years have marked a golden era for our country, and we hope these great achievements continue because it would make us all very happy", he added.
While Scaloni finalizes details of the definitive list of 26 players, the National Team will travel on Saturday to Kansas, a city that will serve as their base during the World Cup. There, they will begin training in preparation for the friendlies against Honduras on June 6 in Texas, and Iceland on June 9 in Alabama.
Once at the most important football event, the Albiceleste will be in Group J, along with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Their participation will begin on Tuesday, June 16 against the Africans at the Kansas City Stadium, then they will face the Europeans on Monday, June 22 at the Dallas Stadium, and finally close the first phase with their match against the Asians on Saturday, June 27, again in Kansas.
