Daniel Bertoni Warns Argentina Against Overreliance on 2022 World Cup Winners for 2026

Argentina entered the 1982 World Cup as defending champions, featuring Diego Maradona and stars from their 1978 victory, but they were eliminated early in the second round. Now, as the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico approaches, concerns about a similar outcome have resurfaced, voiced by one of the architects of Argentina’s 1978 triumph.

Former star Daniel Bertoni warned in an interview with Agence France-Presse that Argentina’s chances of defending their title could be seriously compromised if coach Lionel Scaloni relies excessively on players who won the World Cup four years ago in Qatar.

The Argentine squad for 2026 is expected to include their inspirational captain Lionel Messi alongside 16 other players from the 2022 roster.

Bertoni said, "I believe Argentina is a contender, given our record of reaching six finals and winning three times," but he added a cautionary note: "If we think we will become champions again just because of our name and past achievements, that is a mistake."

He continued, "What could truly harm Argentina is Scaloni’s overdependence on the players who secured the title four years ago."

Bertoni, who scored in Argentina’s 3-1 victory over the Netherlands in the 1978 final in Buenos Aires, was part of the 1982 squad that exited the tournament early despite including Maradona.

Regarding Messi, who was reappointed captain with hopes of recovering from a hamstring injury that forced him off the field during Inter Miami’s recent match against Philadelphia, Bertoni commented, "He remains a key player, but he is approaching 40 years old (he will turn 39 on June 24), so we need to assess his physical condition."

He added, "He is no longer performing at the highest club level and will also miss Ángel Di María, who was a crucial player alongside Messi in the 2022 World Cup."

Drawing from his personal experience, Bertoni reflected on the pressure of defending a World Cup title: "It is enormous pressure. Everything depends on the squad’s condition and the coach’s ability to balance two realities: instilling the idea that they are world champions while emphasizing the need to go out and seriously defend the title."

He concluded, "In the 1982 World Cup, we believed that as world champions, with Diego Maradona and other new players, we could win again, but it is always difficult because everyone wants to win."