“We Don’t Have Messi”: Deco Explains Why Portugal Failed at the World Cup With Ronaldo

• Former Portuguese midfielder Deco knows why his nation failed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup
• Portugal, captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, exited the competition in the quarter-final round
• By comparison, Ronaldo's GOAT debate rival Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to total victory

Deco, a former Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder, has offered his insights into why Portugal fell short at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Having represented Portugal in 75 matches, Deco believes that if Lionel Messi had been a part of the team, the Selecao could have emerged as champions.

According to Bleacher Report, Messi, a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, played a pivotal role in leading Argentina to their third World Cup triumph in the Middle East.

The 36-year-old made a significant impact throughout the tournament, scoring seven goals - including a brace in the final - and was named the tournament's best player.

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By contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi's eternal rival in the GOAT debate, faced disappointment as Portugal suffered elimination in the quarter-finals against underdogs, Morocco.

Deco, who has transitioned into football agency following his retirement, attributed the difference in success between the two sides to the Argentine captain's influence and Portugal's shortcomings.

“Argentina won the World Cup because they have Messi. For us, Portugal had the best generation of good players, but we don't have Messi,” Deco said in an interview with Argentine outlet, TR Sports, as quoted by Sportskeeda.

Messi celebrates WC triumph

In a related publication, Sports Brief reported on Messi celebrating the six-month anniversary of Argentina's 2022 FIFA World Cup win via social media.

After edging out a dogged France on penalties, La Abiceleste won the trophy for a third time in their history - the first of the veteran's glittering career.

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Messi picked ahead of Ronaldo

Sports Brief also reported that while Messi has shared the GOAT title with Ronaldo for almost two decades, one Brazilian legend added his voice to the ongoing debate on the best.

Ronaldo Nazario, a three-time World Footballer of the Year award winner, declared that - in his opinion - Messi was a 'more complete' footballer than his longstanding Portuguese rival.