Morgan Rogers on Messi at World Cup 2026: "Almost impossible to do anything"

Leo Messi left another lasting mark on the 2026 World Cup. At 39 years old, he carried Argentina to the final of the North American tournament and produced a semifinal display against England that still echoes among opponents. The latest to revisit it is Morgan Rogers, the Chelsea and England player who went up against the Argentine number ten that day and could not hide his amazement.

• Morgan Rogers admitted that stopping Messi in the World Cup 2026 semifinal was "almost impossible".
• Argentina came from behind against England with goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, both assisted by Messi.
• Rogers, a Cristiano Ronaldo fan, could not help but admire the Argentine captain's level at 39.
• Spain won the tournament, while Rodrigo Hernandez was named MVP ahead of Messi.

The World Cup 2026 semifinal that left Rogers speechless

Argentina faced England in the 2026 World Cup semifinals and suffered more than expected. The English side struck first through Barcelona's Anthony Gordon, but the script eventually turned Albiceleste. Messi, as he has done so often on the biggest stages, took over late in the match and tipped the tie with two decisive assists.

Enzo Fernandez equalized and Lautaro Martinez completed the comeback, both scoring from passes by the Argentine captain. The victory sent the South American side into their second consecutive World Cup final and extended the legend of a Messi who, just before turning 39, was still making the difference against far younger defenders.

What Morgan Rogers said about facing Messi at the World Cup

Rogers spoke openly on 'CFC Unlocked', a show broadcast through Chelsea's official channels. The English attacker, who experienced the match from the inside, confessed that Cristiano Ronaldo is his biggest personal reference, but that what he saw against Argentina forced him to accept the obvious.

Ronaldo is my personal favorite, but I played against Messi in the World Cup semifinal at 39 years old and I couldn't believe it, I can't imagine what he would have been like in his prime. I can imagine that in his prime you had no chance against him. It was almost impossible to do anything in this game and he is 39!

The England international's words reflect the impact Messi still has even in the final stretch of his career. Rogers, who competes in the Premier League against elite defenders every week, admitted that the Argentine's pace, reading of the game and ability to break lines that night made his defensive work an almost impossible task.

World Cup 2026: Spain champions and Messi as the main story

The tournament held in the United States, Mexico and Canada produced two dominant narratives. Spain won the title with a collective brand of football admired around the world, while Messi led Argentina to the final and established himself, in the eyes of most fans, as the best player of the competition.

The Most Valuable Player award went to Rodrigo Hernandez, the Spanish midfielder and undisputed star of the champion side. Even so, the debate over who shined brightest remains open: Messi, with decisive performances in the knockout rounds, proved once again that his football knows no age or context.

Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo: Rogers' admiration for both icons

Rogers has never hidden his devotion to Cristiano Ronaldo, the player he considers his greatest football idol. However, after taking on Messi on the biggest stage in the world, the Englishman admitted the experience changed his perspective. It is not about choosing one over the other, but about understanding that both defined an unrepeatable era.

The Chelsea player explained that facing Messi at 39 was already a monumental challenge and that trying to imagine him at his physical and technical peak feels nearly impossible. That statement, coming from a player who grew up idolizing the Portuguese star, carries special weight.

Argentina's run and Messi's role in the final lost to Spain

Argentina reached the 2026 World Cup final after a demanding knockout round and with sky-high morale. Messi, the cornerstone of Lionel Scaloni's project, once again stepped up in the decisive moments and kept an entire nation's hopes alive. His influence on the pitch and in the dressing room remained decisive even in the final stage of his career.

Spain, however, proved too strong in the final and completed a perfect tournament. The side led by Luis de la Fuente blended youth, talent and a clear playing philosophy that eventually overcame Argentina's pedigree. Despite the defeat, the run of Messi and his teammates further cemented the number ten's World Cup legacy.

Frequently asked questions about Messi and World Cup 2026