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The Argentine star threatens the dreams of the former Spanish defender
Former Barcelona and Spain defender Gerard Pique has praised Argentina captain Lionel Messi, calling him the best player in history ahead of the two teams’ meeting in the 2026 World Cup final.
Tomorrow, Sunday, the Spanish team will meet with its counterpart from ArgentinaAt the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, in the final game of the World Cup.
“It would be an amazing story if Messi managed to win two World Cups in a row when people didn’t expect it to happen, given his age,” Pique said in a statement to ESPN.
He added: “In Spain we already won it in 2010 and it was one of the most beautiful experiences of my career and to win it again would be great.”
Pique said about the way to defend against the Argentine star. “Messi is the best player in history and it doesn’t matter if you put one, two or three players on him because he will find a way to create an advantage for his team, be it a goal, an assist or leaving a teammate alone.”
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“I think the Spanish team should play their way and stay true to the style that brought them here, which is high pressure, possession and control.”
He continued: “If that happens, it will be more difficult for Argentina to keep the ball, and if Leo is not close to the penalty area, Spain may have a slightly bigger advantage.”
Pique’s comments about Messi came despite a strained relationship between them in recent years, especially after the Argentine star left Barcelona in 2021, with the former Spain defender believed to have been one of the instigators of his departure.
On the other hand, the ex-Barcelona defender cited an England side that took a clean sheet lead over Argentina before retreating to the defense, conceding two goals in crucial time and exiting the World Cup in the semi-finals.
“England is a great example. In the first 55 or 60 minutes they scored the first goal and they controlled the pitch before falling behind and I think this was a clear mistake.”
“The Spanish national team will not do that because they have a special style of play and they have to play the game as they know.”
