Surprising statement about Lionel Messi: "If I were Uruguayan I would have two World Cups"

Despite the fact that in the last time the Uruguay National Team has had great players worldwide such as Diego Lugano, Diego Godín, Álvaro Recoba, Diego Forlán, Edinson Cavani or Luis Suárez, the truth is that they do not reach a Cup final of the World since 1950, when they defeated Brazil in the mythical Maracana and were proclaimed champions for the second time in their history. The previous title in the world of the Uruguayan team was in 1930, in his country (it was the first edition of this competition).

During a talk at Tea y Deportea, the former captain of the Celeste didn't hesitate and declared that if the 10th of Barcelona had been born "on the other side of the pond" he would have won the trophy that he longs for and that until now he could not achieve with Argentina . “If Messi were Uruguayan that 2010 World Cup, we would win it. And if Messi was Uruguayan and they didn't throw (Luis) Suárez out, as they did, in Brazil, with that generation we also had, we would win him”, said Lugano.

Uruguay, which finished in fifth position in the South American Qualifiers (had to play a play-off against Costa Rica to secure its ticket - 1-0 victory in San José and 1 to 1 equality in Montevideo-), was one of the surprises in South Africa. After winning Group A, where they shared a zone with Mexico, the host team and France, they left South Korea and Ghana on the road. In the semifinals they fell to the Netherlands 3-2 and failed to get on the podium after falling by the same score against Germany.

The Celeste team, which once again reached the maximum appointment through a Repechage (they thrashed Jordan 5-0 in Amman and drew without goals in Montevideo), suffered to advance from the zone as second to Costa Rica in Group D (Italy and England). Already without Luis Suárez, who was sent off for biting Georgio Chielini, they were eliminated by Colombia in the round of 16.

La Albiceleste, despite having Lionel Messi among its ranks, could not lift the World Cup in Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018. The closest time Rosario was to achieving his mission was 7 years ago. After staying with Group F (there were Nigeria, Bosnia and Iran), those led at that time by Alejandro Sabella eliminated Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands to reach a final after 24 years of waiting. In the last game they fell in overtime against Germany due to a goal from Mario Gotze.

Diego Lugano also raved about Oscar Washington Tabárez, who has led Uruguay's national team since 2006 and won the 2011 Copa América. "Within the characters of football, the Maestro in many respects is the greatest thing that football can give", concluded the former PSG.