Sourav Ganguly defends Lionel Messi following World Cup final defeat

Legendary Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly has urged football fans and critics to maintain perspective when evaluating the international career of Lionel Messi. The comments follow Argentina's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

During the final in New Jersey, the Inter Miami superstar found himself on the periphery of the contest as a disciplined Spanish side restricted Argentina’s creative sparks, leading some to question the 39-year-old’s impact on the grandest stage.

Lionel Messi’s legacy should never be judged on the basis of a single match. We must always remember that he is a human being, and no one performs at the same level every day. There will be off days. Evaluating his entire career based on one final or one performance is simply unfair. Sourav Ganguly

Ganguly praised the tactical setup of the European champions, noting that they effectively neutralized Argentina’s threats from the start. Despite the heartbreaking end to the tournament, the former BCCI president emphasized that reaching the final itself was a significant achievement for a squad that had successfully defended its Copa America title just two years prior.

While uncertainty persists regarding whether this was Messi's final appearance in an Argentina shirt—a subject touched upon by manager Lionel Scaloni—Ganguly believes the Argentine's place in the pantheon of greats was secured long ago. As Messi returns to South Florida, the narrative is expected to shift from the pain of defeat to the celebration of a career that spanned two decades of excellence.