Ex-India footballer Mehtab Hossain backed defending champions Argentina to win FIFA World Cup 2026. Hossain said Argentina are his favourites because of Lionel Messi, adding, "If there's an alien in football, it's Messi." He also highlighted Argentina's squad depth, citing striker Julián Álvarez, midfielder Enzo Fernández, defender Cristian Romero and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez as key strengths.