Kasey Keller predicts that Ronaldo and Messi will not succeed in the World Cup.

A few months before the World Cup kicks off, Kasey Keller, legendary American goalkeeper and former Tottenham player, does not hold back on his predictions and issues a bombastic warning: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will not succeed in the next edition of the World Cup. For the former United States international, Spain emerges as the top favorite, with a strong and solid team capable of dominating the competition.

Keller, who shone for years between the posts, is unequivocal in his analysis. In statements that promise to stir the footballing world, he asserts that despite the undeniable talent of the two global stars, the excessive dependence that Portugal and Argentina have on Ronaldo and Messi could be fatal in a demanding competition like the World Cup. “Cristiano and Messi are incredible players, but modern football requires complete teams, with various levels of quality and depth,” Keller explained, sending a message to the national teams of the two legends.

On the other hand, Keller highlights the value of Spain, which boasts a young and extremely talented squad, with players who have already demonstrated the ability to compete at the highest level. “Spain is very strong; they have a new generation that can finally win the title they have been fighting for so long,” added the former goalkeeper, emphasizing balance and tactical organization as the main weapons of the Iberians.

With this analysis, Keller places a special focus on the importance of the collective in a competition where even the greatest individual talents can be neutralized by well-defined strategies and teams with greater depth. His vision for this summer’s World Cup breaks the habit of always betting on the same stars and suggests that the title could indeed be won by a more complete team that is less dependent on a single player.

This is a warning for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi: the 2024 World Cup will not be an easy stage for the greatest icons of football, and Spain is ready to surprise the world. Expectations are rising and the debate has begun. Who will truly shine on the biggest stage in world football? Time will tell, but Keller’s words promise to ignite the competition from now on.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.