Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes the pairing of Marc Guéhi and John Stones has the tactical capability and defensive form to quiet Lionel Messi.
Ahead of the World Cup 2026 semi-final between England and Argentina, Wright specifically cited England’s defensive structure, ability to play narrow, and capacity to block and break as key reasons why they can stifle Argentina’s attacking threats.
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He also expressed immense respect for Messi’s individual brilliance, even comparing watching the Argentine play to a superhero movie, but maintained that the collective form of defenders like Guéhi and Stones gives the Three Lions a solid chance at keeping the superstar quiet.
‘If we get to a France or a Spain, I think the level goes to another place entirely,’ he told Stick to Football.
‘It’s gotta be difficult – it’s the final, isn’t it? But I don’t fear Argentina like I’d fear France or Spain, because I think there are a lot of fallacies with them.
“I am confident the duo of Guehi and stones will keep Messi quiet.”
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The Argentinians, who lifted the trophy four years ago in Qatar, have appeared vulnerable defensively, and had to rely on the brilliance of Messi to overcome both Cape Verde and Egypt in the Round of 32 and Round of 16 stages.
At 39 years old, Lionel Messi is in sensational form at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leading Argentina to the tournament’s latter stages.
He has scored 8 goals to tie for the tournament lead and delivered a historic hat-trick in the group stage to tie the all-time World Cup scoring record with 16 goals.
