The exit of Argentina at the pre-quarterfinal stage was not wholly unexpected (‘Sport’ page, “Mbappe sends France through and Argentina packing”, July 1). As a team, it played poorly throughout the tournament. Its players are perhaps a tad old to be effective. The only possible sore note is that magician Messi will be missed. New stars are bound to appear on the football horizon just as Pele and Maradona were substituted by Neymar, Ronaldo and Messi. This World Cup may be a chance for talented youngsters to emerge as the new sensations.
V. Lakshmanan,
Tirupur, Tamil Nadu