“I hope he doesn’t win it”: England star takes brutal swipe at Lionel Messi before World Cup 2026 | Football News
Lionel Messi’s possible final FIFA World Cup journey is already creating emotional reactions across the football world. But not everyone wants the Argentine icon to walk away with another trophy. England defender Dan Burn has now shared a brutally honest response about Messi’s chances of defending Argentina’s crown in 2026.The Newcastle United center back admitted he hopes Messi does not lift the trophy again, even while praising the Inter Miami superstar as one of football’s greatest players. His comments quickly caught attention because they reflect the growing tension surrounding Argentina’s attempt to repeat history at the biggest tournament in football.
Dan Burn sends Lionel Messi warning before Argentina begin FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign
Argentina enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup carrying enormous expectations. Lionel Messi already delivered the ultimate dream in Qatar four years ago, ending years of pressure by guiding Argentina to world glory. Now, many fans believe this tournament could become the perfect final chapter of his international career.Dan Burn, however, is not rooting for that ending.Speaking to SC_ESPN, the England defender joked about Messi’s chances while still acknowledging Argentina’s strength and quality. Burn said:“I hope he doesn’t win it haha in his last dance but he’s an amazing player, Argentina is a defending champion, deservedly so, so I’m sure they will go far in the tournament.”The remark immediately sparked discussion among football fans online. Some praised Burn for his honesty, while others viewed it as a sign that European nations are already wary of Argentina’s dominance heading into the expanded 48-team World Cup.Messi’s presence alone changes the mood around the competition. Even at this stage of his career, the Argentine captain remains the face of the tournament. Every touch, every assist, and every goal now carries extra meaning because many believe this will be his farewell appearance on football’s biggest stage.Argentina were drawn into Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. On paper, Lionel Scaloni’s squad enters as overwhelming favorites to finish top of the group. Their opening match against Algeria is scheduled for June 17 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
Lionel Messi closes in on Miroslav Klose FIFA World Cup record
While Argentina chase another title, Lionel Messi is also closing in on one of the most iconic records in World Cup history.Former Germany striker Miroslav Klose remains the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 16 goals from 24 appearances. Messi currently sits on 13 goals in 26 World Cup matches, meaning the Argentine could realistically surpass the record during the 2026 tournament.Interestingly, Klose himself appears completely relaxed about the possibility.Speaking to Suddeutsche Zeitung, the German legend openly backed Messi to break the record if the opportunity arrives. He said:“That’s perfectly fine, the record will be broken eventually anyway, Messi is welcome to do it. I’m a huge Messi fan, always have been.”That statement added even more intrigue to Messi’s final World Cup mission. Very few players leave football on their own terms. Even fewer get the chance to defend a World Cup title while chasing a historic scoring record. Messi now stands on the edge of both. Whether he finishes with another trophy or not, the spotlight surrounding Argentina’s captain may become the defining story of the entire tournament.
