Photos by Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images and Claudio Villa - FIGC/FIGC via Getty Images

Italy Head Coach Takes Dig at Lionel Messi’s Argentina

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Hartnett | Last updated Nov 14, 2025 1:44 PM ET

Italian national team head coach Gennaro Gattuso launched into a critique of South American football.

"Having six teams from South America go directly to the World Cup, and the seventh having a chance to play in the playoffs, doesn't seem very fair," Gattuso said recently. "In Europe, the groups are much tougher and the competition is very high.”

Gattuso was known for his tenacious style of play and outspokenness during his career for Perugia, Rangers, Salernitana, AC Milan and Sion. He made 73 national team appearances for Italy.

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Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez responded by claiming that European teams have it easier because of the investment into top-tier facilities.

"They [European Teams] always play on perfect, wet, and well-maintained pitches," Martinez replied. "They don’t know how South America is like.”

Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup final over France on penalties at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar.

Captain Lionel Messi scored twice in the match and converted his penalty. Messi and Argentina are looking to repeat as World Cup champions in the 2026 tournament in North America.

Argentina has already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Italy is yet to qualify and is at least assured of a playoff berth. The Italians trail Group I leaders Norway by three points through seven group matches.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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