Former Indian defensive midfielder Mehtab Hossain has thrown his weight behind Argentina to retain the FIFA World Cup in 2026, calling Lionel Messi an 'alien' in football. 'Of course, Argentina is my favourite. Because of Messi. And this team has depth,' Hossain said in a recent interview.
Messi's Brilliance Praised
Hossain, known for his tough tackling and leadership on the field, did not hold back in his admiration for the Argentine captain. 'If there's an alien in football, it's Messi. His vision, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability are out of this world,' he added.
Argentina's Depth Key
The former Mohun Bagan star highlighted that Argentina's squad strength goes beyond Messi. 'They have a solid defense, creative midfielders, and clinical finishers. This team is built to win again,' Hossain noted.
Argentina, the defending champions, are among the favorites for the 2026 tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Messi, now 38, is expected to lead his team in what could be his final World Cup appearance.
Hossain's comments come as football fans worldwide gear up for the quadrennial event. The former India international, who retired from professional football in 2020, remains an avid follower of the sport.
