Even Messi can’t do it alone, says Hamza on Bangladesh’s team challenge

Leicester City's Bangladeshi midfielder Hamza Choudhury offered a reality check ahead of Bangladesh's Asian Cup Qualifier against Hong Kong, China, saying that even Argentina superstar Lionel Messi would not be enough to solve the team's challenges without collective effort and proper planning.

Before taking part in his second training session with the national team at the National Stadium on Tuesday, Hamza responded with calm assurance and clarity when a reporter compared his influence on the side to that of Messi.

"Of course not," he said with a smile. "Football is a team game at the end of the day. I think even if Messi played for Bangladesh, we'd still have the troubles of finding the right tactics and building the team spirit. So, football is never about one person, especially not me."

The 28-year-old midfielder, who joined the camp on Monday, said Bangladesh's strength must come from unity. "The biggest thing for us, especially as a nation, is to stick together," he said.

Hamza also expressed optimism about the October 9 encounter, believing Bangladesh can get a positive result if they "play with belief and confidence."