NEW DELHI: Argentina donโt need Messi for the 2026 FIFA World Cupโat least thatโs what some fans believe after their dominant 4-1 victory over Brazil in the World Cup qualifiers at Estadio Mas Monumental on March 25.
Messi was absent due to an adductor strain, which he picked up during Inter Miamiโs 2-1 win over Atlanta United on March 16. He also missed Argentinaโs 1-0 victory over Uruguay last week.
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Despite missing their captain, Argentina dismantled Brazil with ease. Julian Alvarez opened the scoring in the 4th minute. Enzo Fernandez doubled the lead just eight minutes later. Matheus Cunha pulled one back for Brazil in the 26th minute after a defensive lapse from Cristian Romero.
Alexis Mac Allister restored Argentinaโs two-goal cushion in the 37th minute with a brilliant volley following Fernandezโs pinpoint cross. Giuliano Simeone then sealed the dominant win with his first touch after a well-placed free-kick.
Fans Question Messiโs Role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Messi has struggled with fitness during the World Cup qualifiers, missing four of Argentinaโs seven games. He has still managed three goals and three assists in the three games he played.
However, many fans now believe Argentina play better without him. One fan wrote on X:
Messi is holding this super team back. Players like Julian Alvarez and fernandez adapt more with Martinez and de Paul etc. please get this man out of my national team asap.
โ ALTHETICORXW (@Nyroh7) March 26, 2025
โMessi is holding this super team back. Players like Julian Alvarez and Fernandez adapt more with Lautaro Martinez and De Paul. Please get this man out of my national team ASAP.โ
Another posted:
โArgentina plays better without Messi. Donโt take Messi to the World Cup and they win another one.โ
Argentina plays x10 better without Messi
โ Dead Poet (@RanceRider2) March 26, 2025
More fans weighed in:
โArgentina plays x10 better without Messi.โ
โMessi has always been the difference-maker for Argentina, but this team isnโt just about one player. Scaloni has built a system that thrives even without their star.โ
Argentina plays x10 better without Messi
โ Dead Poet (@RanceRider2) March 26, 2025
โWe need to study how Lionel Scaloni transformed Argentina into a powerhouse. They won back-to-back Copa Amรฉricas and might raw-dog the 2026 World Cup. Donโt be surprised.โ
โArgentina donโt even need Messi anymore to compete for trophies. Theyโre that good.โ
Julian Alvarez Disagrees With Messi Criticism
While many fans claim Argentina are better without Messi, Julian Alvarez strongly disagrees. After the match, he stated:
โWith Messi, we might have scored two or three more goals.โ
Argentina dominated possession with 56% of the ball, completing 475 passes with 90% accuracy. Brazil, in contrast, had only 44% possession and completed 373 passes with an 88% success rate.
In attack, Argentina looked balanced and aggressive without Messi. They registered 12 shots in total, with seven on target. Brazil, on the other hand, managed just three shots, with only one on target.
The debate continuesโdo Argentina donโt need Messi for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Fans remain divided.
