“‘We want it to be his last dance’: Argentina chase history as Crespo says Messi can defend the World Cup | OneFootball

Hernan Crespo has said Argentina are determined to defend the World Cup in Lionel Messi's 'last dance' on the world stage.

Argentine travel to North America this summer aiming to become only the third country to defend theWorld Cup.

Messi is set to feature at a record-breaking sixth tournament, having inspired Argentina to success in Qatar in 2022.

The 38-year-old, who now plays his club football in the United States withMLS side Inter Miami, is expected to call time on his international career after the tournament.

Crespo, who featured alongside Messi at his first World Cup in 2006, believes Argentina can defend their crown.

He believes La Albiceleste have crucially learned how to play 'with or without' Messi, and has called on Premier League stars Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister to 'step up' as new leaders of the side.

Crespo insists Argentina and Messi among World Cup favourites

"Whoever loves football will be happy watching him," Crespo told theBBC, when discussing Messi.

"It will be the Messi from Qatar - one who sets people up, rather than one who beats three players and scores. That Messi is gone.

"Players like Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Emi Martinez all need to step up. Fernandez was the leader of my Defensa y Justicia team, even though he was young. Now he is world famous. I tried to help him become a great player. I am proud, but I only helped him a little, because everything he has achieved is because of him.

"Argentina have learned how to play with or without Messi. I think they are among the favourites, along with Spain and France. Maybe England can do it, or Brazil - but the other three are my favourites.

"It is very hard to win it twice in a row and you need to be lucky. It is also very sad that it will be Messi's last one. We want it to be his last dance."