THE Lionel Messi of Tunisia taunted Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions, declaring: We will beat you because we’re mentally stronger.
Youssef Msakni will not be on the Volgograd Arena pitch after tearing his cruciate knee ligament in April during a Qatari league match.
Youssef Msakni considers himself the Lionel Messi of Tunisia
His cruel KO came just a month after Tunisia coach Nabil Maaloul claimed being without their talisman would be the same as Argentina losing superstar Messi.
But gifted Al-Duhail playmaker Msakni, 27, is such a legend in his homeland that he is still inspiring his team-mates in Russia.And he is adamant the Eagles of Carthage will not miss him, are not scared of Group G rivals England — and even have a better mentality than Southgate’s young squad.
Cocky Msakni boasted: “We will snatch a win, I am sure.
Youssef Msakni will not be on the Volgograd Arena pitch tomorrow after tearing his cruciate knee ligament
“England have popular names — but popular names don’t play football.
“We have a very, very exciting team. England are not a scary prospect because, position by position, I think we can match them.
As a team, we have a stronger spirit and will to win. A lot of our guys play in Europe, many grew up there, they understand the mentality and professionalism needed.
“Facing England will be like any other team.”
Msakni has been his country’s Messi since 2013, when he lit up the African Nations Cup.
And he banged in a hat-trick in Tunisia’s 4-1 qualifying win over Guinea in November, which went a long way to securing their place at the World Cup in Russia.
Msakni added: “People say the team rally around me and that if I am not there the spirit is broken. That’s not true at all.
“The unity in this team is amazing.