Shaji Prabhakaran on Messi’s Role as Argentina’s Unifying Force

NEW DELHI, July 19 — Argentina will meet Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after beating England in the semi‑finals. In an exclusive interview, former AIFF secretary Shaji Prabhakaran described Lionel Messi as the cornerstone of Argentina’s recent success.

Prabhakaran stressed that Messi’s influence extends beyond his eight goals in the tournament. The captain’s assists against England were instrumental in winning the semi‑final, showcasing his ability to shape outcomes.

He added that Messi binds the team with a unity unseen before. The superstar ignites a collective drive, giving each player a clear purpose and vision. While Messi alone cannot win every match, his leadership creates a synergy that pushes the squad toward a historic back‑to‑back World Cup.

According to Prabhakaran, the Argentine side’s determination stems from Messi’s energy and the confidence he instils in his teammates, who are ready to give their all for the nation’s honor.