Former France international fires blunt message at Lionel Messi’s Argentina: ‘I feel nothing but hatred towards them’

France And Argentina The 2022 World Cup in Qatar produced one of the most memorable finals in football history, a match that contributed to an enduring rivalry between the two countries. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, a former France international has delivered a blunt message Lionel Messi‘s team: “I feel nothing but hatred towards them.“

The Blues have emerged as one of the dominant national teams in the world in recent years and enter the 2022 tournament with a chance to win back-to-back World Cups following their triumph in 2018. However, Messis Argentina stood in their way and lifted the trophy in a dramatic finale that ended in mass celebrations, scenes of France’s former striker Djibril Cisse didn’t appreciate it.

During a live broadcast on The team‘s official YouTube channel, which revisited the third anniversary of the 2022 World Cup final on December 18, Cissé watched the festivities in Argentina and did not hide his feelings from the camera: “I feel nothing but hatred towards them.“

The former striker, who represented France at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, both of which ended in the first round, explained that the images sparked a strong reaction after Argentina’s victory. “After seeing those images I even got angry. I feel a lot of hatred towards them. It is clear that they are our main enemy today,he declared.

Cissé also referred to the controversy surrounding Argentina’s celebration of the 2024 Copa América, in which Enzo Fernández was involved in a chant that was criticized for its content. “I don’t understand how his teammates forgive him.Cissé said, questioning the Chelsea midfielder’s situation.

see also

Lionel Messi tops the prestigious rankings of the 21st century, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, Tom Brady and LeBron James

Now viewing Argentina as France’s main rival, Cissé suggested a strong sense of revenge, expressing desires such as “winning the third star in Messi’s last World Cup match‘ and refer to ‘two or three scores to settle with Argentina.” With less than six months until the tournament starts, a potential final is on the cards The Albiceleste And The Blues is already discussed, with a former France international helping to fuel the story.

When can Argentina and France meet at the 2026 World Cup?

Hailing from Pot 1 in Groups I and J respectively and at the top of the FIFA rankings, France and Argentina are considered two of the top contenders to win the 2026 World Cup. As Cissé suggested, if both teams advance deep into the tournament, a match between them is possible.

If both Argentina and France win their respective groups, they will be placed on opposite sides of the knockout round. meaning they could only meet in a possible final. A similar scenario, although less likely, would occur if both teams finished second in their groups.

Disregarding a third-place finish, the two sides could still meet before the final at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey. That scenario would happen when one team wins its group, while the other team finishes secondsetting up a possible semi-final match between France and Argentina.