Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Sends Championship Message Amid MLB Season
The Toronto Blue Jays are still searching for the consistency that carried them to last year's World Series. After entering the 2026 MLB season as one of baseball's most talked-about contenders following a remarkable postseason run and several major offseason additions, Toronto has spent much of the first half trying to make up ground in a competitive American League East.
At 33-36, the Blue Jays remain behind both the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees in the division, but the club continues to believe it has the talent to climb back into contention.
As has often been the case, much of that hope rests on the club's $500 million star Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Despite a slow start, the first baseman remains the face of the franchise. Through 67 games, Guerrero is batting .282 with 11 doubles, three home runs, 25 RBIs and a .375 on-base percentage. Although the power numbers are considerably below his standards, he continues to get on base and remains one of Toronto's most important offensive players.
While Guerrero and the Blue Jays prepare for a crucial series against the Yankees, the club recently joined the conversation around another major sporting event: the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a video shared by the Blue Jays, Guerrero joined teammates Alejandro Kirk and Andrés Giménez for a lighthearted discussion about the tournament, which is being hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico.
Guerrero was asked who he thinks would win the World Cup:
"Argentina is going to do it again because the GOAT is there, Messi."
Guerrero was also asked to name his favorite soccer player and expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi.
"Messi, I just like Messi."
He also predicted a big tournament from the Argentine captain.
"Messi is going to score like 6 or 7."
#FIFAWorldCup predictions
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 12, 2026
Do you agree with the guys? pic.twitter.com/X1E1tZ9w2e
Argentina enters the tournament as the defending world champion after lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022. Led by Messi, the reigning champions are again among the favorites to win it all. The Inter Miami forward, who turns 39 on June 24, is set to appear in his sixth World Cup, a record in men's soccer and what many expect will be his final appearance on the sport's biggest stage.
Guerrero's focus remains on helping Toronto regain momentum this season. But like much of the sporting world, the Blue Jays star will also be watching closely to see whether Messi and Argentina can make history once again.
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This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 6:03 AM.