The Argentinian writer warns. “Messi is playing alone, what are we going to do against the Pharaohs?”

Argentinian writer Antonio Serpa has slammed his country’s performance at the 2026 World Cup, warning that the current squad has “little to do with the world champions of four years ago” after their fierce struggle to beat Cape Verde in the round of 32.

In an analytical article published by the Argentinian TYC website, Serpa wrote: “We have to face the truth. This team has changed radically and it’s not clear how or why,” adding that the game was “the worst in this edition of the World Cup, with lackluster play and little attacking.”

The writer emphasized that the only one who has maintained his level is Lionel Messi, who “reinvented himself in a different role” and scored his seventh goal of the tournament, noting that “the national team is not at Messi’s level and he started making mistakes that seemed to be forgotten, such as playing for Messi instead of playing with him”.

Serpa severely criticized the midfield play, saying: “There is no cohesion in the team’s play, just a hybrid and fruitless possession and obsession with control, as if no one dares to do more”, noting that McAllister “makes reckless passes from two meters out, slow and safe, without any risk”.

Strikers Lautaro Martinez and Julián Alvarez have not been spared criticism, with the former described as “collapsing himself in this shirt and in some sort of shock”, while the latter was described as “needing a comprehensive medical examination with an exhausted body and a mind full of doubts”.

The writer called for technical director Lionel Scaloni to make radical changes, suggesting that Paredes replace McAllister as a defensive player, saying: “You can’t play without a real central player with a strong personality.”

Serpa warned that the current performance is “inadequate. If this is good enough against a first-time World Cup side, what does fate have in store for us when we face more serious opponents,” referring to the upcoming clash with Egypt in the round of 16.

He concluded his article with a note of caution mixed with hope. “Let’s not be fooled by the perfect result of these four matches. The next test is approaching and there is still a long way to go. Come on, Argentina, go!”