“A Real Problem For Us”: Why Erasmus’ Deputy Fears A Messi World Cup Win This Weekend
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick admits that Argentina’s looming presence in the FIFA World Cup final has crossed his mind, warning that a soccer triumph could inject dangerous momentum into Los Pumas ahead of their rugby clash in August.
The Springboks conclude the home leg of their Nations Championship campaign against Wales at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday.
Following that, the world champions will shift their focus to an away tour, including a highly anticipated fixture against Argentina at the Estadio José Amalfitani in Buenos Aires on 8 August.
Before the rugby side can worry about that, however, the soccer-mad nation of Argentina will turn its eyes to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey this Sunday.
Lionel Scaloni’s world number-one-ranked side is set to defend its global crown against a surging, second-ranked Spain side led by teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal.
The blockbusting soccer final represents a genuine coin-toss between the planet’s two finest teams. Remarkably, it marks the first time Spain and Argentina have crossed paths in a World Cup tournament since 1966, when the South Americans triumphed 2-1.
With a 39-year-old Lionel Messi still pulling the strings, Argentina enters Sunday as a heavy narrative favorite.
Managing the Emotional Wave
Stick, a self-proclaimed avid sports lover, has kept a very close eye on the unfolding drama in North America.
Speaking to the media on Friday afternoon, he acknowledged the unique emotional wave that always carries over into Argentine rugby whenever their football counterparts taste success.
“I’m a sports lover,” Stick replied to Sportswire.
“I watch football, I watch Formula One, I watch netball—I follow everything, and I’ve been following the football very closely. For Argentina, we know that when it comes to football, they are, with Messi, one of the best teams in the world. We understand the position they are in as a country; they are in a great space right now.”
The scenario feels eerily familiar for the Springbok coaching staff. Back in 2024, the Argentine football team lifted the Copa América trophy in July. Just two months later, an emotionally charged Pumas rugby side rode that national wave of celebration to stun the Springboks 29-28 in a thrilling Rugby Championship encounter in Santiago del Estero.
Focus Stays Handled on Wales
While Stick acknowledges that a repeat of that national soccer euphoria could complicate the Springboks’ travel plans next month, he emphasized that the immediate task remains entirely on executing against a dangerous Welsh side this weekend.
“I also thought about what you are asking because, if Argentina win this World Cup against Spain, it might create an issue for us when we travel there,” Stick added candidly.
“In that country, they absolutely live for football. As a nation, they will be ecstatic to win it.
“But I don’t think our active focus is on them yet; our primary objective is the Wales game this weekend. Hopefully, the players who have been given a chance to pull on the jersey will use it, and then we will see what happens on Sunday. I think I’m also going to be incredibly excited to watch that game. Otherwise, yes, it will be a problem for us once they win that World Cup.”
