Driessen argues Kane’s World Cup display eclipses Messi’s

Under the bright lights of the World Cup stadium, a weary England side trailed 1-0 against Congo when Harry Kane stepped forward. The striker then netted two goals, turning the deficit into a victory that propelled England into the tournament’s next round.

Valentijn Driessen highlighted that Kane’s contribution extends beyond scoring. He argued that the English forward must operate with a team that is not built solely around him.

“Het punt is dat Kane het met een elftal moet doen dat niet helemaal alleen op hem is afgestemd,” Driessen said, emphasizing the collective nature of England’s play. “Hij doet veel meer dan Messi. Hij brengt anderen in stelling, laat zich terugzakken, verdedigt mee.”

Driessen noted that Messi typically covers about three kilometres in a match, whereas Kane runs roughly eleven kilometres and still adds two goals. He described Kane’s World Cup performance as “veel completer” than Messi’s.

He added that former stars Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have begun calling Kane “Sir Harry,” a label he called “waanzinnig.” Driessen suggested the nickname reflects Kane’s elevated status.

According to Driessen, Messi has not yet been forced to carry his national side, as Argentina’s matches have been “a walk in the park” up to the quarter‑finals. He implied that the Argentine forward’s lack of pressure contrasts with Kane’s need to step up against Congo.

Driessen recalled that England entered the Congo match trailing 1‑0 and that Kane’s two goals were decisive. He described the second goal as “werkelijk waanzinnig.”