Speaking on Sportpesa’s Shaun Bartlett World Cup Special, Bartlett explained his reasoning.
“I’m leaning towards Spain. I think they’ve been a little bit more consistent in the approach. Their DNA don’t change, the type of style they play, the possession football, the way they build up and how they keep the ball.”
He also pointed to Spain’s collective understanding as a key factor.
“The whole team, how they’re in sync, whether it’s pressing, whether it’s defensive work, whether it’s attacking, whether it’s set plays, everybody understands their role, and I think that for me is really good to see from a team.”
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Bartlett acknowledged the widespread expectation that Messi would inspire Argentina to glory, but explained why he was not convinced.
“I know everybody will probably say Messi and Argentina, but yeah, there’s been so much controversy around Argentina that I think Spain might have the upper hand.”
He was also asked about what a win would mean for Messi’s legacy.
“I think there’s no doubt that he will have it, and maybe even enhance what people think of him, because I think there’s a big percentage that already think he is the GOAT.”
“But I think winning back to back World Cups, that will be one of the unique things for him and for his country, and possibly the end of his career as well as an international footballer.”
Photo: Reuters/Maria Lysaker
