Tom Brady has praised Lionel Messi and Argentina’s collective identity after La Albiceleste clinched a place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Messi’s five goals in two matches underline his enduring influence, but Brady and former France forward Olivier Giroud both highlighted Argentina’s team structure — a key reason they look capable of defending the title and becoming the first nation in 64 years to win consecutive World Cups.
Argentina secure Round of 32 as Messi shines and earns high-profile praise
Argentina wrapped up qualification from a competitive group after comfortable wins over Algeria (3-0) and Austria (2-0). Lionel Messi has been central, scoring a hat-trick in the opener and a brace in the follow-up, taking his World Cup goal tally to 18. The results have prompted public admiration from NFL legend Tom Brady and former France striker Olivier Giroud, who both lauded Argentina’s balance and Messi’s leadership.
Group stage results and Messi’s form
Messi’s five goals across two games have been decisive in Argentina’s smooth passage to the knockout phase. The 3-0 victory over Algeria showcased clinical finishing, while the 2-0 win against Austria underlined control and game management. Lionel Scaloni’s squad looks comfortable rotating possession and creating high-quality chances without forcing every attack through Messi.
Tom Brady and Olivier Giroud on Argentina’s team play
Tom Brady praised the team’s cohesion, noting that Argentina circulate the ball and pick their moments to involve Messi rather than funneling everything to him. Olivier Giroud echoed that sentiment, describing how teammates visibly play for and around Messi, driven by respect for his longevity and influence. Their comments reinforce a simple conclusion: Argentina’s strength is as much collective as individual.
Why the praise matters
Endorsements from figures outside the immediate football ecosystem underline a broader recognition of Argentina’s structure. For opponents, Messi’s brilliance is the headline, but Argentina’s true threat is a well-drilled system that masks individual tendencies. That architectural solidity reduces the risk of being nullified by tactical plans aimed solely at one man.
Tactical read: more than just Messi
Argentina’s play shows a disciplined midfield, intelligent rotation, and forward runners who exploit the space created by Messi’s movement. This balance forces opponents to make difficult choices: double-mark Messi and concede space elsewhere, or contain the supporting cast and accept occasional moments of Messi brilliance. Scaloni’s setup currently gives Argentina multiple avenues to create chances.
What comes next — stakes and management
Argentina finish the group against Jordan in what looks set to be a dead-rubber on June 28, an opportunity to manage minutes and protect key players ahead of the knockout rounds. The bigger narrative remains their bid to defend the World Cup — a rare feat that would cement Messi’s legacy and mark Argentina as the first nation in 64 years to win consecutive tournaments. How Scaloni balances squad rotation, fitness and momentum will be a defining managerial challenge.
Bottom line
Messi’s form headlines Argentina’s start, but the real story is a cohesive team model earning plaudits from unexpected quarters.
That combination—world-class individual brilliance within a robust collective—makes Argentina a genuinely dangerous title-defence side as the tournament shifts into knockout terrain.
Sportskeeda
