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WM 2026August 9, 2026

“Almost no defensive work.” Sobolev comments on the question of whether Messi will be...

Alexander Sobolev talks about the possibility of replacing Lionel Messi in the 2026 World Cup final and emphasizes his importance for the Argentina national team.

“Almost no defensive work.” Sobolev comments on the question of whether Messi will be...

“Almost no defensive work”. Sobolev comments on the question of whether Messi will be in

According to Championship.

Background

Zenit St. Petersburg striker Alexander Sobolev has spoken out about the controversial decision as to whether Lionel Messi should have been replaced in the 2026 World Cup final. His statements illustrate Messi's central role for the Argentine national team and the emotional challenges associated with such decisions.

Why this is important

The discussion about Lionel Messi's role in the 2026 World Cup final is of great importance for the Argentine national team. Alexander Sobolev's assessment of Messi as a source of inspiration underlines the emotional connection between player and team. This debate reflects the challenges that coaches and players face at crucial moments, particularly when tactical decisions need to be made.

Key findings

  • “Almost no defensive work”. Sobolev comments on the question of whether Messi will be in.
  • Alexander Sobolev talks about the possibility of replacing Lionel Messi in the 2026 World Cup final and emphasizes his importance for the Argentina national team.
  • «Poчти не обороняется». Соболев ответил, стоило заменить Месси в финале ЧМ-2026.
The discussion surrounding Lionel Messi's performance in the 2026 World Cup final, in which Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain, remains hotly debated among fans. A key point is the question of whether it would have made sense to replace Messi during the game in order to strengthen the defensive position and keep the clean sheet after Argentina found itself outnumbered. Zenit St. Petersburg striker Alexander Sobolev spoke out on the matter. He explained that it would have been a complex decision to take Messi off the field. "Yes, Messi almost never defends, but he is the inspiration for the whole team and for the whole country. I think if you take him out of the game, the team starts to stress," Sobolev said. His assessment highlights the central role Messi plays for the Argentine national team. Sobolev continued: "Now you can talk a lot about it. Maybe the Argentines would actually have been able to defend if Messi had been substituted. But we'll never know." These statements clashed with the emotional reactions of fans and experts, who expressed a variety of opinions after the game about the best player in the world and his influence on the team. The debate shows how important Messi is not only as a player but also as a symbol for Argentine football. Image The 2026 World Cup has once again proven how quickly the pressure on players can change. At a crucial moment when the team is outnumbered, the question arises as to whether one should change tactics to play more defensively or rely on the creativity and influence of a world star. Sobolev's words reflect not only the challenges that coaches and players face in such critical situations, but also the emotional weight that Messi has for the Argentina team. His talent and style of play are crucial, not only for the results but also for the morale of the team. This discussion will certainly continue in the coming weeks and months as the 2026 World Cup continues to provide many topics of conversation. In conclusion, the question of whether Messi should have been substituted remains an interesting and profound topic that will be debated in the football world for a long time. The 2026 World Cup has once again shown that football is more than just a game - it is a question of passion, identity and national pride.

What happens next

Reactions to Sobolev's comments could fuel discussion about Messi's future role in the national team, particularly with a view to the 2026 World Cup. Fans and pundits will continue to speculate about how Argentina should line up strategically in future tournaments. In addition, this debate could also have an impact on team dynamics and player selection when it comes to important games.

Frequently asked questions

What did Alexander Sobolev say about Messi?

Alexander Sobolev said it would have been a complex decision to replace Messi during the game as he is the inspiration for the entire team and country.

Why is there discussion about whether Messi should be replaced in the 2026 World Cup final?

The discussion arose because Argentina was outnumbered and the question arose as to whether a more defensive tactic would have made sense.

Who expressed the opinion that Messi should not be replaced?

Alexander Sobolev, the striker of Zenit St. Petersburg, has spoken out on the matter.

What was the result of the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain?

Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final against Spain 0-1.

What role does Messi play for the Argentine national team? t according to Sobolev?

Sobolev emphasizes that Messi plays a central role, not only as a player, but also as a symbol of Argentine football.

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Häufig gestellte Fragen

What did Alexander Sobolev say about Messi?
Alexander Sobolev expressed that it would have been a complex decision to replace Messi during the game as he is the inspiration for the entire team and country.
Why is there debate about whether Messi should be replaced in the 2026 World Cup final?
The discussion arose because Argentina was outnumbered and the question arose as to whether a more defensive tactic would have made sense.
Who expressed the opinion that Messi should not be replaced?
Zenit St. Petersburg striker Alexander Sobolev spoke out on the matter.
What was the result of the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain?
Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final against Spain 0-1.
What role does Messi play for the Argentina national team according to Sobolev?
Sobolev emphasizes that Messi plays a central role, not only as a player but also as a symbol of Argentine football.
What happened in this story?
“Almost no defensive work.” Sobolev comments on the question of whether Messi is in summary the main development covered in this report.
Why is this news relevant right now?
The timing matters for how clubs, players, and fans prepare for the next competitive phase in the season or transfer window.