Materazzi hails best in the world Messi as Argentina face Cape Verde fairytale

Italy’s 2006 World Cup hero Marco Materazzi has declared Argentina the tournament’s outstanding side, reserving special praise for Lionel Messi, who at 39 continues to defy the limits of age on football’s grandest stage.

Speaking to Reuters ahead of Saturday’s Round of 32 clash between defending champions Argentina and debutants Cape Verde at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, the 52-year-old former defender did not mince words when assessing the gulf between the two sides.

“In normal circumstances, Argentina are the best at the World Cup because they have the greatest players,” Materazzi said. “Argentina is much better than Cape Verde at the moment—and they have one of the best ever players in history.”

Messi’s Ageless Brilliance

The man who infamously shared a World Cup final with Zinedine Zidane in 2006 now finds himself captivated by a different kind of greatness. Materazzi confessed his eagerness to watch the Argentine maestro in action, as Messi currently leads the tournament’s scoring charts with six goals.

“I love watching Messi when he plays and I eagerly look forward to seeing him,” Materazzi said. “Playing at 39 years old is not easy, and he is still one of the best—if not the best—in the world.”

Cape Verde’s Fairytale Run

The African island nation, one of the smallest countries ever to qualify for a World Cup, have enchanted fans with an unbeaten group-stage campaign featuring three draws—enough to finish second behind Spain and ahead of South American powerhouses Uruguay. Led by inspirational goalkeeper Vozinha, the debutants now face the ultimate test against the reigning champions.

Materazzi acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge while refusing to dismiss the possibility of an upset. “Cape Verde is the big surprise at the moment. Now they have to play against the world champions,” he said. “We are here in Miami and looking forward to watching the game. They are the underdog. But in 90 minutes of football, you never know what can happen.”

A Painful Reminder for Italy

Cape Verde’s presence also serves as a bitter reflection for Materazzi on Italy’s continued World Cup absence. The Azzurri have missed three consecutive tournaments, with their last knockout-stage appearance coming in 2006—when Materazzi scored in the final victory over France.

“Italy stopped growing on 9 July 2006, because football runs very fast and grows very fast,” he lamented. “Cape Verde, Curacao and Uzbekistan—they are in the World Cup. They tried to build a system. Italy have to do the same if they want to be back.”

The iconic defender pointed to infrastructure as a key failing, noting that Uzbekistan’s national team headquarters boast 12 training pitches, while Italy’s famed Coverciano centre has only two or three. He pinned his hopes on newly elected Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malago to drive the radical overhaul required.

For now, however, Materazzi’s focus remains on the spectacle awaiting in Miami—and on the ageless genius of Lionel Messi, who continues to remind the world why Argentina enter every match as the team to beat.