Egypt coach Hossam Hassan avoids mentioning Messi to calm his players

Egypt took a 2‑0 lead against Argentina in the World Cup round of 16 but surrendered the advantage in the final ten minutes, losing 3‑2. Coach Hossam Hassan revealed that he deliberately avoids mentioning Lionel Messi in training sessions to dispel the excessive reverence his players hold for the Argentine star.

The strategy was intended to keep the squad focused and free on the pitch, yet the comeback proved decisive.