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Indian cricket legend Sourav Ganguly has come out in support of Lionel Messi following Argentina’s heartbreaking loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. The former India captain emphasised that the Argentinian superstar’s legacy remains beyond question despite his quiet outing at the MetLife Stadium.

Legacy beyond a single match

Ganguly has appealed to football enthusiasts and analysts to maintain perspective when assessing Messi’s international career after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain.

The Inter Miami forward found himself marginalised during the match as Spain’s disciplined defensive structure stifled Argentina’s creative rhythm, leading some critics to question the influence of the 39-year-old on such a major occasion.

“Lionel Messi’s legacy cannot be measured by one game alone,” Ganguly remarked during a recent media interaction. “People often forget that he is human, and it’s impossible to perform at the same level every day. Everyone has off days. Judging his entire career based on one final or a single performance is completely unfair.”

Tactical struggles in New Jersey

The contest proved to be a tactical challenge for Argentina, who struggled to impose their usual control over a youthful and dynamic Spanish side. Although Messi has developed a deep bond with the Argentinian fans through years of triumphs, the New Jersey final saw him isolated as Argentina’s physical strategy failed to deliver.

Ganguly commended Spain’s tactical discipline, acknowledging that they successfully nullified Argentina’s attacking strengths. “I didn’t watch every match of the World Cup, but I did follow several key games, including the semi-finals and the final,” he said. “In the final, it was clear that Spain never allowed Argentina to settle into their natural rhythm. Tactically, Spain were far superior.”

Uncertainty over international future

The loss has sparked speculation that this could have been Messi’s final appearance for Argentina. Emotions ran high after the match, and head coach Lionel Scaloni later addressed questions about possible retirements and his own future with the team.

Despite the disappointment, Ganguly highlighted that reaching the final was a remarkable feat for a team that had defended its Copa America crown just two years earlier. “Reaching the final itself is a major achievement for Argentina,” noted the former BCCI president. “In football, one team wins and the other loses—that’s how the game works.”

Completing the game

Although the 2026 final ended in defeat, Messi’s place among football’s all-time greats remains unshaken. Prior to the tournament, the veteran forward had stated that he had already “completed the game” after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022. Ganguly’s remarks reaffirm that sentiment, reminding the world that a single setback cannot diminish decades of brilliance and glory.

As Messi returns to South Florida to recuperate with his family, the focus will inevitably shift from the sting of defeat to the celebration of a career that has defined an era of footballing excellence.