Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney perceives Lionel Messi as potentially a defensive hindrance for Argentina as they prepare for Wednesday’s encounter against England in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
While providing analysis for the BBC Sport broadcast of the 2026 World Cup, Rooney pointed out that Messi seldom retreats to defend.
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Rooney stated that effectively managing Messi necessitates acute focus and ongoing dialogue among teammates.
He drew a parallel between the Argentine striker’s style and that of Jude Bellingham, indicating that even when they are not directly engaged in every segment of the game, they possess the ability to influence the outcome with a single, exceptional moment.
“He can be a liability defensively for Argentina,” he remarked to BBC Sport.
“He doesn’t track back, but he has significant moments similar to Jude Bellingham. He can produce crucial moments and displays of quality.
“What stands out about Messi is his decision-making – he becomes impactful during key moments of the game and consistently makes the right call.
