Lionel Messi is bewitching the 2026 World Cup all over again — and even rivals can’t stop watching. “What he is doing is crazy,” admitted Pedri, the Barcelona and Spain star, who confessed he dreams of a final showdown against his Argentine idol. But there’s a snag in that fairytale: Thomas Tuchel’s England fancy their own shot at the trophy, and they’re not here to play supporting cast.
Pedri in awe: ‘What Messi does is crazy’
Pedri regards Lionel Messi as the greatest of all time and makes no secret of it. Ahead of Spain’s round-of-16 clash with Portugal, the Barcelona midfielder revealed he already dreams of a final against his former team-mate’s Argentina. At 39, Messi is still stunning even the players hoping to face him.
The cross-generational respect is genuine, but the road to that final is brutal. Spain must first see off Portugal, then likely tangle with the heavyweights at the top of the draw. Nothing is settled yet.
England’s chance to crash the Messi-Pedri dream
England are perfectly placed to turn Pedri’s dream into a nightmare. Under Thomas Tuchel and led by Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, the Three Lions arrive at World Cup 2026 among the favourites and desperate to end their long wait for a trophy. A deep England run would send both Spain and Argentina packing before any dream final can happen.
With genuine squad depth, a world-class spine and a manager built for tournament football, England have the tools to stop the GOAT’s coronation. For English fans, denying Messi one last World Cup would taste almost as sweet as lifting it themselves.
Messi vs Bellingham: old GOAT, new king
The subplot of this World Cup is the passing of the torch. Where Pedri dreams of sharing a pitch with his idol, Jude Bellingham wants to shove Messi off the throne and claim it for a new generation — and for England.
If England reach the business end and meet Argentina, it becomes the ultimate test: beat the greatest to prove you’re the future. That’s the final English fans are really dreaming about.
FAQ
Why does Pedri admire Messi so much?
Pedri considers Lionel Messi the greatest player of all time. He played alongside him at Barcelona and has described Messi’s World Cup 2026 form as ‘crazy’, even dreaming of a final against him.
Can England win the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, England are among the favourites. Under Thomas Tuchel and led by Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, the Three Lions have the depth and quality to challenge both Spain and Argentina for the title.
Is an England-Argentina match possible at World Cup 2026?
It’s a realistic knockout scenario. If both nations progress through their halves of the draw, England could meet Messi’s Argentina in a blockbuster clash.
What is Spain’s next match?
Spain face Portugal in the round of 16, a high-stakes Iberian derby before they can even dream of a final against Argentina.
How old is Messi at the 2026 World Cup?
Lionel Messi is 39 years old at the 2026 World Cup and is still performing at a level that amazes rivals and fans alike.
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