Joe Cole Claims World Wants Messi in 2026 World Cup Final

(Joe Cole. Photo Credit: Sempre Barca)

Former England midfielder Joe Cole has suggested that FIFA is hoping Lionel Messi and Argentina will make it to the 2026 World Cup final, speaking ahead of tonight’s semi-final clash between England and Argentina in Atlanta.

This marks the first knockout-stage meeting between the two nations in 28 years, since England’s penalty shootout exit to Argentina in the Round of 16 at the 1998 World Cup in France. England, who last lifted the trophy in 1966, haven’t reached a final in six decades.

Both sides fought hard to reach this stage: Thomas Tuchel’s England came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 after extra time, while Messi’s Argentina saw off a 10-man Switzerland side 3-1, also in extra time.

Ahead of the semi-final, Cole remarked, as quoted by Flokiaura, that he senses an unspoken wish across football for Messi to make the final, describing it as something close to a subconscious pull felt by the wider footballing world.

He drew a comparison to the 1998 tie, referencing how Diego Simeone’s clash with David Beckham led to Beckham’s sending-off, and suggested Argentina often carry a “siege mentality” tied to gamesmanship that England will need to manage carefully this time round.

He added that, were he in charge, he’d lean into that same combative spirit, predicting that Rodrigo De Paul would likely be deployed to closely mark Jude Bellingham throughout the match.

Cole was careful to clarify he wasn’t accusing FIFA of any impropriety, but maintained that global sentiment appeared to be rooting for Messi’s success.

Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina side head into the clash on an 11-match winning streak, with the winner set to face 2010 champions Spain in the final on Sunday, July 19, in New Jersey.