Argentina and Lionel Messi were given a dosage of reality in their first match of the 2022 FIFA World after losing 2-1 to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Following the surprising defeat, many wonder if the South American nation should be considered a favorite to win the competition. One of the critics is talkSPORT’s Gabriel Agbonlahor, who states the Messi-led squad has no chance at winning the World Cup.
“Some of my friends are Argentina going to win this World Cup. They were second favorites before it started, after Brazil and I’m watching them playing, I’m like, [Cristian] Romero, look poor for their first goal, Otamendi, looked poor.
“Looking at their team. I’m like Lisandro Martinez at centreback Martinez in goal and Messi maybe getting to England’s best eleven. But apart from them, the midfield were poor. [Angel] Di Maria didn’t look great. [Julian] Alvarez didn’t look great … Everyone is saying Argentina; I don’t think they’ve got a chance to win this World Cup.”
Argentina finds itself in a must-win against Mexico on Saturday should they draw, it makes qualifying for the knockout stages more challenging, and a loss likely eliminates them from the World Cup, which would be a shocker.
🇦🇷 “I’m looking at Argentina: Martinez at centre back, Martinez in goal and Messi…”
🔥 “Maybe they get into England’s best XI? Apart from that, Argentina were poor!”@Ga11Agbon doesn’t see #ARG having a chance of winning the #TSWorldCup ❌
🤝 With our friends @ArnoldClark #Ad pic.twitter.com/5BrFdbDMzo
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) November 25, 2022
