Messis Qatar World Cup win labelled fortunate in surprising declare: Ronaldos Portugal has sturdy shot at 2026 glory

Messi's Qatar World Cup win labelled 'lucky' in shocking claim ...

Updated on: Nov 18, 2025 09:43 pm IST

Wesley Sneijder claimed Argentina have been “fortunate” to win the 2022 World Cup, including that Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal have a stronger shot at 2026 glory.

Lionel Messi cemented his legacy by guiding Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, finishing soccer within the eyes of many. But in a surprising declare, Wesley Sneijder recommended that Argentina have been “fortunate” to raise the coveted trophy. The former Netherlands star additionally argued that Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal have a “sturdy” likelihood of profitable the world title for the primary time subsequent yr, when the United States, Canada and Mexico host the quadrennial match.

Wesley Sneijder made a surprising FIFA World Cup declare

The former Real Madrid playmaker made the comment throughout an interplay with AdventureGamers, the place he claimed that Portugal have a stronger workforce lined up for the World Cup and subsequently a greater likelihood of profitable the trophy than Argentina. He adopted it up by saying that Messi was “fortunate” to win the title in Qatar, the place Argentina defeated France in a dramatic closing.

He mentioned: “Portugal have a really sturdy workforce. For me they’re one of many favourites so then I might say Cristiano Ronaldo has the stronger likelihood of profitable the following World Cup in comparison with Lionel Messi. It was an amazing World Cup for Argentina in Qatar however they have been a bit fortunate as properly. I feel total Portugal is a greater workforce.”

Ronaldo is about to make his sixth look in a World Cup match subsequent yr after Portugal beat Armenia 9-1 final week to safe qualification. However, the 41-year-old had confirmed earlier that the match can be his final in Portugal colors.

Ronaldo can even miss the opening two video games of the World Cup subsequent yr after he was despatched off in the course of the qualifiers in opposition to Ireland. He was slapped with a three-match ban, because of which he missed the match in opposition to Armenia.

Messi, then again, has but to substantiate if he’ll play on the 2026 World Cup. The 38-year-old has repeatedly admitted that age, health and kind will dictate his resolution. While he hasn’t dominated out the chance completely, Messi has mentioned he’ll assess issues “day-to-day” and solely commit if he feels able to performing on the stage he expects from himself.

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