Why Lionel Messi was robbed at the FIFA World Cup 2026

Lionel Messi was very hard done by at the FIFA World Cup 2026, according to a pair of football legends.

On Sunday, Argentina fell short on the grandest stage of them all, with Spain picking up a 1-0 victory at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.

Lionel Messi was robbed, says Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer

Lionel Messi was nothing short of spectacular throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the Argentine playing a massive role in guiding his country to the final.

In total, the 39-year-old hit the back of the net on eight occasions, making him the second-highest goal scorer at the competition, two shy of Kylian Mbappe, who walked away with the Golden Boot.

However, the goals that separated the legends came during France’s third-place play-off with England, in which the Real Madrid star’s team lost 6-4 in a rollercoaster fixture. Had the pair remained on the same amount, then the Inter Miami man would’ve won due to his extra assists.

WOW: Pele was better than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, according to a football legend

This has enraged Wayne Rooney, who doesn’t believe that this fixture should count towards the award.

During the BBC broadcast, he explained: “I just think France got knocked out of the tournament and had the third and fourth play-off game.

“Listen, I don’t [think they should count]. They do obviously, but I think that’s very unfair on Messi.”

Echoing the sentiments, Alan Shearer explained: “I was just looking at yesterday’s game the way it was played like a testimonial.

“France is out, and Mbappe has scored his two goals.

“Lionel Messi is playing in a World Cup final against a Spain team that have only conceded one goal and that is a lot more difficult.”

Will Lionel Messi play at the next World Cup?

Messi is undeniably past his peak.

However, throughout the competition, the all-time great proved he still has a lot left in the tank.

With that in mind, will Messi play at the next World Cup?

Featured Image Credit: Getty