Alexi Lalas signs off World Cup coverage with outlandish Messi-Ronaldo take slammed as ’embarrassing’
Alexi Lalas ended his World Cup broadcasting duties in a similar fashion to how he started.
Paired with soccer icons Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who quit his role on air during the World Cup Final, and Thierry Henry on FOX’s coverage of the tournament, the former USMNT star frequently appeared out of his depth.
From clashing with Henry over Falorin Balogun’s red card, to his on-set rivalry with Ibrahimovic, Lalas’ tenure has certainly been memorable.
Ahead of Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina in the World Cup Final on Sunday, Lalas added another questionable layer to the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, which has left some scratching their heads.
Lalas sparks backlash after claiming there’d be no Messi without Ronaldo
“You can boo all you want out there. But there is no Messi without Ronaldo,” Lalas said on Fox Sports’ pre-game broadcast.
“Heroes need villains. Sometimes you need a foil, my friend. It’s important at times.
“And these players, they have been representative of the World Cup.
“When we do those montages of World Cups going forward in the future, those players are going to be involved.
“Because you see them, and immediately you think the World Cup. Immediately, you think greatness, and that is what the World Cup does to an individual.
“It elevates you even if you’re already famous, even if you’ve already done wonderful things.
“The World Cup is a whole other level of power and attention.”
Lalas argued that every great hero requires a villain or ‘foil’, asserting that Messi’s elevated status in football history is inextricably linked to Ronaldo’s presence as his main rival.
The Ronaldo-Messi debate has been at the center of soccer for the last 20 years, heightened during both players’ primes.
Lalas’ claims that Messi would be nowhere without Ronaldo drew serious backlash on social media.
“Alexi Lalas is a clown and an embarrassment to US football. He appeals to those that know nothing about the game. He knows exactly what he is doing,” one commented.
“Look at the faces of the two pundits, what on earth is he on about?” a second added.
“This guy has no idea what he is talking about, there is absolutely a Messi without a Ronaldo – b******* claim,” a third said.
“Alexi, that’s just stupid. Overreaching to be dramatic as usual,” a fourth added.
Spain captured their second World Cup trophy after Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute following Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez being sent off in the dying moments of normal time.
For Messi and Argentina, there would be no back-to-back World Cup triumphs to close out his legendary international career.
As for Ronaldo, his World Cup tenure ended in tears at the hands of the now world champions in the Round of 16.
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