Lionel Messi comparison highlights Saudi Arabia’s leadership concerns, says Walid Al-Farraj

Walid Al-Farraj has questioned whether Saudi Arabia have a player capable of carrying the national team in the way Lionel Messi has done for Argentina.

The broadcaster raised the comparison on his programme Rotana Sport with Walid as debate continues over Saudi Arabia’s recent results and the team’s disappointing showing at the last World Cup.

Saudi Arabia are preparing to compete in the Gulf Cup, with the tournament providing an opportunity to rebuild confidence and improve the national team’s image.

‘We do not have a player like Messi’

Al-Farraj said Saudi Arabia lack a figure who can make the difference on his own and lead the team through difficult moments.

“We do not have a player like Lionel Messi who can carry the national team on his shoulders,” he said.

His criticism was not limited to technical ability. Al-Farraj also focused on the leadership qualities and influence that he believes Messi brings to Argentina.

He said the Saudi squad did not currently contain a player with the same status or impact as the Argentina captain.

“Whether technically or in terms of leadership, we do not have a player like Messi,” Al-Farraj added. “Everyone loves the Argentine star and plays for him, whereas we do not have someone like him.”

Messi central to the comparison

Al-Farraj used Messi’s experience with Argentina to illustrate what he believes Saudi Arabia need from their key players.

The forward’s importance to his national team, according to the broadcaster, extends beyond his performances with the ball. Messi has also become a major influence on his team-mates and a prominent personality within the side.

The comments come amid continued questions over whether Saudi Arabia’s leading players can take responsibility for the next stage of the national team’s development.

Saudi Arabia are seeking to restore their standing and produce results that can give supporters renewed optimism, with the Gulf Cup representing their next major opportunity to do so.

Al-Farraj’s argument was not that all of the national team’s difficulties could be explained by the absence of one individual. Instead, his remarks highlighted the importance of having players who can accept responsibility and change the course of matches.

That influence, he suggested, is required both technically and in a leadership capacity, particularly when Saudi Arabia are facing pressure.