‘Today he’s one less’: Former Argentina goalkeeper criticizes Messi and MLS ahead of 2026 World Cup

As the enthusiasm grows Lionel Messipreparation with Argentina national team for their 2026 World Cup title defense, not everyone is impressed. Former Argentina goalkeeper Hugo Gatti sparked controversy with strong criticism of Messi and Major League Soccerstating bluntly: “Today he is one less.”

Hugo GattiIconic goalkeeper who played from 1962 to 1989, holds the record for most matches played Argentine First Division (765) and the greatest number of penalties avoided (26, alongside Ubaldo Fillol). Although he played 18 matches with the national team, Gatti became known more for his outspoken opinions than his on-field accomplishments.

Nicknamed “The fool» (The Crazy), Gatti didn’t hesitate when asked about Messi’s chances of playing in the 2026 World Cup. Speaking to La Nación, he said: “Maybe he’ll get there, but he’ll be one player less. He already has one less player left today. He plays at the country club (amateur) football in the United States“,

When you are asked Cristiano Ronaldowho currently plays in Saudi ArabiaGatti was quick to point out the contrast: “Yes, but it’s harder to play there. Everyone plays it. They run, they do everything possible. Cristiano, even with his limitations, is phenomenal. But even limited, he is better than Messi.”

Gatti also criticized Messi for not stepping out of his comfort zone during his career. “He is limited because he doesn’t have Messi’s natural abilities, but he has played for the best teams in the world. Where did Messi play? At Barça and with Argentina national team. Messi didn’t push himself to play for other teams, in other countries. And he had opportunities, you know?“, he concluded.

Lionel Messi’s storied career has been defined by unprecedented achievements, notably with Argentina, including two Copa America titles, a Finalissima and victory in the 2022 World Cup. However, not everyone is happy with his performance, as critics like Gatti continue to question his legacy.

The reasons for Messi’s criticism

Gatti, who has never ceased to express his admiration for Diego Maradonahas doubled down on his long-held belief that Messi is no match for Argentina’s best. “Messi will never be more than Maradona“, he said when Argentina won the 2022 World Cup, adding that Kylian Mbappe is the best player in the world.

Gatti also gave insight into his critical stance towards Messi: “Nobody even kicked him. In football, if we let you play, as Alfredo Di Stefano said, you play every day. And Alfredo Di Stefano said it, who was the best after Pelé. But with Maradona, they beat him to death. Nobody kicked Messi. And when they kicked Diego, he got up. With Messi, you touch him, and he stays down.”

As Messi prepares for the next World Cup, these criticisms are unlikely to bother him. With the Argentine national team leading the CONMEBOL qualifiersThe seven-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to focus on writing the next chapter of his storied career.