"If you rely only on Messi, the World Cup will fail," Argentine legend makes serious remarks: "We could see a Maradona-like goal 44 years ago"... Doubts over 're-signing 16 members of the Qatar squad'

*This content was translated by AI.

"Opinion has emerged that Argentina, a 'favorite to win' the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, could fail to defend its title if it remains tied to past glory and veteran players.

"Sports media outlet 'Vizcacher' reported on the 1st (Korea time) that Argentine football legend Daniel Bertoni (71) offered critical remarks on the possibility of the national team winning back-to-back World Cups.

Under the leadership of coach Lionel Scaloni, the Argentina national team has recalled 16 members of the 2022 Qatar tournament-winning squad, including captain Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), for this year's North American World Cup.

Bertoni stated, "Argentina is a powerful team that has reached the World Cup final six times and won three times," but added, "It would be a serious miscalculation to think they can become champions again by relying solely on past names and achievements."

He further emphasized, "If the coach relies too heavily on the key figures who secured the title four years ago, it could become a fatal poison for the team."

Bertoni was a key figure who scored the decisive goal in the 1978 Argentina World Cup final, leading the team to victory. Four years later, he participated in the Spain World Cup as the defending champion but suffered the bitter experience of being eliminated in the quarterfinals.

He also cast doubt on Messi's physical condition and match performance. Messi recently drew concern after being substituted during a match with his club team due to a hamstring injury. Bertoni analyzed, "Messi remains a central player, but he will soon turn 39. He is not playing in the top-level leagues currently, and the absence of Angel Di Maria, who was a key figure in the previous tournament, will be painfully felt."

He also mentioned the heavy pressure that the defending champion must bear. "In 1982, we were confident of consecutive victories with Diego Maradona and young players, but the result was different. Since all teams aim for the title, defense is always difficult," he stressed the need to calmly assess the squad's condition.

Meanwhile, Bertoni drew a line regarding extra-tournament political controversies. The 1978 Argentina World Cup was held under the military dictatorship of General Videla, sparking controversies over human rights violations. This year's World Cup is also raising concerns among some due to its connection with the policies of the U.S. Trump administration.

Bertoni said, "In 1978, we did not accurately understand the political tragedies, such as the national situation or the issue of the disappeared." He added, "Players participate in the World Cup solely to showcase their skills. As athletes, they are only responsible for their play on the field."

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*This content was translated by AI.