On July 23rd, Goal wrote an article stating that Lionel Messi should not continue to play for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, as doing so would risk him following in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps this year by becoming a laughingstock and a liability for his team.
Messi has had a glorious career, winning the Ballon d’Or eight times and leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, as well as in the Copa America in 2021 and 2024. Many consider him to be the greatest football player of all time. Given the current situation, it is likely that Messi will continue to play with the Argentine team in the 2026 World Cup in North America.
However, Goal does not support Messi doing so, stating that he should not attempt to play in the 2026 World Cup. “Messi may be the most successful captain on the international stage, with 45 championship titles to his name – more than any other player in history. He might want to give the 2026 World Cup another try. But now, at the age of 37, he will be 39 by the time the North American World Cup rolls around in two years.”
The media believes that it would clearly be a huge mistake for Messi to participate in the 2026 World Cup, which could tarnish his illustrious image. Cristiano Ronaldo was in a very awkward position during this year’s Euros, becoming a mockery and a liability. Why should Messi put himself in such a perilous position?
UK Media: Messi Should Not Participate in the World Cup, or He Will Become a Liability and a Mockery Like Ronaldo. Author：Sports UEFA.Please indicate the source when reproduced：https://www.sportsuefa.com/football-world/uk-media-messi-should-not-participate-in-the-world-cup-or-he-will-become-a-liability-and-a-mockery-like-ronaldo.html
