'This Team Can't Be Underestimated': Ian Wright on Argentina

'This Team Can't Be Underestimated': Ian Wright on Argentina

According to Championat.

Context

Argentina, as the defending World Cup champions, continue to hold high expectations for their performance at the World Cup 2026. Their ability to compete at a high level depends not only on stars like Messi but also emerging players like Enzo Fernández.

Why it matters

Argentina's win over Egypt shows their resilience and ability to bounce back under pressure, an important trait as the next phase of World Cup 2026 football approaches. Despite the tight match, the win proved that the Albiceleste don't just rely on Lionel Messi but on their collective strength, which is crucial to their season outlook.

Key Points

• 'This Team Can't Be Underestimated': Ian Wright on Argentina.
• Ian Wright, former Arsenal striker, said that Argentina should not be underestimated even though they went through a tough match against Egypt (3-2) in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
• «Эту компуда не нежно сбрисать со счетов». Иан Райт — о сборной Аргентины.

Ian Wright stressed that Argentina should not be downplayed after they cruised to a thrilling 3-2 win over Egypt in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. In a statement published by the BBC, the former Arsenal star said "this team cannot be underestimated," and not just because of Lionel Messi. Wright insists Messi is doing what is expected of him, but the real strength of the Albiceleste also lies in the overall collective—from the defense to the center and the supporting attackers. He specifically pointed to Argentina's third goal scored by Enzo Fernández as "excellent," a sign of the team's quality and confidence in big moments. Such a scene sealed the progress of the defending champions, despite the strong challenge given by the enthusiastic and organized Egypt in the knockout stage. For Wright, this type of win—even if imperfect—is the sign of a team that can withstand pressure and can find a way to win against any style of opponent. With the win, Argentina will advance to the quarterfinals and await the winner of the Switzerland-Colombia match. This will open up another tactical challenge for the Argentina coach's men, who will be expected to adjust in the middle to support Messi, and free up the likes of Fernández to take the initiative from distance or in second-ball situations.

Lionel Messi remains the center of attention, but Wright is emphatic that the Albiceleste is not just about the captain. Under their system, Argentina have enough depth and balance—midfielders who know how to control, full-backs who know how to adapt to the flow of the game, and attackers who are ready to take on when Messi is closely guarded. World Cup 2026 is being held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. As the defending champion, Argentina carries the weight of expectations after winning the crown in 2022, where they beat France in a classic final that ended 3-3 and won on penalties, 4-2. In today's wider format and longer tournament, the consistency and depth of each contender will be tested—especially Argentina, who are expected to face even tougher matches as they approach the end. For Wright, the message is clear: even if the trip against Egypt goes through the cracks, Argentina remains a real threat to anyone who faces them. And if the quality of Fernández's release and the discipline of the whole team can be repeated in the next matches, it will indeed be difficult to dismiss the Albiceleste in the race to another title.

What's next

As they advance to the quarter-finals, Argentina will await the winner of the match between Switzerland and Colombia. The next match will bring a new tactical challenge for the team, where they will need to adjust their game to better support Messi and emphasize the skills of Enzo Fernández in crucial moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score of the match between Argentina and Egypt?

The match ended with a score of 3-2 in favor of Argentina.

What is the effect of Argentina's victory on their standings in the World Cup 2026?

Because of the win, Argentina will advance to the quarters of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Who scored the third goal for Argentina?

The third goal for Argentina was scored by Enzo Fernández.

Who will Argentina face next in the World Cup 2026?

Argentina will wait for the winner of the match between Switzerland and Colombia.

What did Ian Wright say about the Argentina team?

Emphasised by Ian Wright that Argentina and their collective strength should not be underestimated, not just Lionel Messi.

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