Caniggia backs Bangladesh's World Cup dream

Stepping out of his car, Argentine football legend Claudio Caniggia was greeted by a crowd of delighted young players, though adverse weather threatened to disrupt the event, it failed to dampen the spirits on Monday as Caniggia handed out prizes at the Dhaka International Championship Football Tournament final.

​Visiting the Fortis Downtown Resort to inspire the next generation, the former forward shared his hopes for the local game. "I wish Bangladesh could do the same as others national team did," Caniggia said. "We know that the World Cup has been a 48 team right now, maybe the next one is going to be maybe 64 or 62. So, we wish that Bangladesh can have the opportunity to get through the qualifying and qualify for the World Cup."

the former forward praised the nation's massive fanbase. "It was a warm welcome for me when I arrived to Bangladesh, so the people is great. I'm enjoying a lot, being in Bangladesh because the people are very here passionate," Caniggia stated. "I wasn't surprised because I know the people from Bangladesh. It's great to see how they enjoy the victory of Argentinian players."

​However, he warned that progress requires a united effort. "It's not just about talent... you have to fortificar the mentality of the player," he explained. "It will depend the coaches, it will depend the government, the environment, the work that you have to do." He also stressed the need to export talent, pointing to Leicester City's Hamza Choudhury. "When you have players in having experience in other countries... this is good to grow up. If you don't export players to other country, it's difficult."

​Reflecting on global football icons, Caniggia proudly praised his compatriots. "Pele, Maradona, and Messi were the great players in the history... we have two of the three," he noted. Recalling his famous goal celebration kiss with Diego Maradona, he added: "he was a friend of mine, Diego... It's something natural he want to do and we did it. Nothing else."

​Discussing Argentina's recent World Cup final defeat, Caniggia offered a blunt, honest assessment. "Spain deserved to win the World Cup. They play better than us," he said, firmly dismissing referee conspiracies. "I don't believe in any conspiracy or something like that."

​When asked if he would consider coaching Bangladesh, Caniggia left the door open. "I didn't have any proposal, but to be clear, I'm not proposing myself, but ok, it can be, why not."