Portuguese legend Deco has said that Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar because of Lionel Messi's presence.

The former Barcelona forward captained La Albiceleste to their third World Cup and their first since 1986. The South American giants started their campaign with a 2-1 loss against Saudi Arabia but won every game after that. They beat France on penalties in the final following a pulsating 3-3 draw after extra time.

Lionel Messi won the Golden Ball , scoring seven goals and providing three assists. He also scored a brace in the final and converted his penalty in the shootout. Portugal, meanwhile, were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Morocco.

Deco, who made 75 appearances for A Selecao, has said that while Portugal have many good players, they don't have the Argentine talisman. In an interview with Argentine outlet TR Sports, he said (via @AlbicelesteTalk

" Argentina won the World Cup because they
have Messi. For us, Portugal had the best
generation of good players, but we don't have
Messi ."

Incidentally, Portugal's captain rival Cristiano Ronaldo failed to make an impact at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He scored just one goal in five games and started on the bench in the two knockout games.

orohbiro:
If Messi retire I no feel say Argertina go feel survive am the team has Been build around Messi. From the look of things after next year cops America Messi might retire can this Argentina team without Messi and angel dimaria qualify for the world cup to start with? If I be their coach has Messi dey retire me self dey Japan too not making it to 2026 world cup might spoil the good works he has done

Adeolaeniola:
A legend that never achieves any tangible trophy for his country, C.ronaldo will always be GOAT.
I can count the times that Messi runs from national duties when the needs arise. whether bad or worse Ronaldo always stands by his country.

Adeolaeniola:
A legend that never achieves any tangible trophy for his country, C.ronaldo will always be GOAT.
I can count the times that Messi runs from national duties when the needs arise. whether bad or worse Ronaldo always stands by his country.

5iine:
I will stop watching football the moment Messi retires.