WORLD FOOTBALL SHOCKWAVE: “Lionel Messi was never the one who led Argentina to World Cup glory!” Piers Morgan has sent social media into a frenzy by claiming that Ángel Di María—not the legendary captain—was the true driving force behind Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
**Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María both played important roles at the 2022 World Cup.** Argentina became world champions in Qatar that year. Messi was the team captain.
Messi scored multiple times during the tournament. He made decisive contributions in the knockout stages. In the final against France he was once again important.
Ángel Di María scored in the 2022 final. His goal put Argentina ahead. He was also significant in earlier matches.
Di María had already made a crucial contribution in the 2021 Copa América. He scored in the final against Brazil that year. That title formed a stepping stone to World Cup success.
The Argentine squad under Lionel Scaloni functioned as a close-knit team. Various players delivered key moments. The successes were achieved collectively.
Piers Morgan has again expressed critical views about Messi in 2026. After the World Cup final against Spain he posted sharp comments. He criticised the behaviour of Argentine players.
Morgan referred to Messi in that context as a “sneaky cheating leader,” among other things. Those remarks followed footage from the final. The comments led to discussion on social media.
There is no confirmed recent statement from Morgan in which he identifies Di María as the sole driving force behind the 2022 World Cup win. Available sources do not support that specific claim.
Ángel Di María has recently spoken about Messi. He indicated that Messi can continue for many more years with the national team. Di María called him one of the best in history.
Di María emphasised that Messi himself should decide how long he continues. At the age of 39 he remains at a high level according to Di María. He expressed support for both Messi and Scaloni.
Messi has not yet made a definitive statement about his international future after the 2026 World Cup. At 39 he played what is widely regarded as his final World Cup. Any continuation remains open.
The Argentine team won multiple titles between 2021 and 2024. The Copa América, the Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup were among them. Several players contributed to those successes.
Di María long ranked as one of the most important attackers alongside Messi. His speed and crosses created many chances. He was often present in major finals.
Messi was named the best player of the 2022 tournament. He received the Golden Ball. His leadership and performances were central in the coverage.
The discussion about individual contributions continues to return in the media. Some commentators emphasise the team, others the star players. Official statistics show contributions from multiple names.
Piers Morgan has frequently taken positions in the debate between Messi and Ronaldo. He regularly expresses a preference for Cristiano Ronaldo. His comments about Argentina are often critical.
After the defeat in the 2026 World Cup final, Morgan remained active on social media. He praised Spain as worthy winners. At the same time he criticised Argentine behaviour.
Di María continued to play for various clubs after the 2022 World Cup. He later returned to Rosario Central. He remains involved with the national team as a former player.
Messi remains active at Inter Miami. He combines club football with possible international appearances. His physical condition and motivation will determine the future.
The 2022 World Cup is still remembered in Argentina as a historic success. Both Messi and Di María are mentioned in retrospectives. The team performance is central in official accounts.
There is no confirmed direct response from Messi to a claim that Di María was the sole driving force. Available statements from Messi about the 2022 World Cup emphasise the collective.
Di María has underlined the importance of the group in interviews. He pointed to the role of Scaloni and the entire squad. He placed individual merits within that framework.
The British presenter Morgan remains an outspoken voice in the football debate. His statements often generate many reactions. Factual claims are checked by the media.
Argentina lost the 2026 final 1-0 to Spain. Messi played in the match. Di María was no longer an active international at that time.
The performances from 2022 remain a reference point. Messi delivered goals and assists. Di María provided the opening goal in the final, among other contributions.
Official FIFA statistics show the contributions of both players. Messi was the top scorer and best player of the tournament. Di María scored in crucial matches.
Discussions about who played the greatest role remain subjective. Objective reporting is based on match data and official statements. Speculative claims are avoided.
Argentina’s success in Qatar was the result of a long process. Multiple generations of players contributed to it. Messi and Di María belonged to the core.
Reporting on recent statements remains limited to confirmed sources. Claims without verification are not adopted. Facts about the 2022 World Cup take centre stage.
Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María remain linked to the success of 2022. Their contributions are recorded in the history of the tournament. The team result was decisive.
