Carlos Bilardo smiles at Lionel Messi’s goals in World Cup 2026

Former Argentina coach Carlos Bilardo, who is living with the neuro‑degenerative Hakim‑Adams syndrome, continues to follow the 2026 World Cup closely. His brother Jorge Bilardo told reporters that Carlos watches each Argentina match from his home in Buenos Aires, and whenever Lionel Messi scores he “looks, smiles and says nothing more.” Jorge recalled Bilardo’s reaction to Messi’s hat‑trick against Algeria, noting that the ex‑coach laughed and seemed delighted. He also recalled earlier moments when Messi’s goals brought a smile to Bilardo’s face, saying the legendary forward is “a phenomenon.” Despite his delicate health, Bilardo remains emotionally attached to the national team’s performance.

Bilardo’s condition, a form of normal‑pressure hydrocephalus that enlarges the brain’s ventricles, has limited his mobility and speech, but he still enjoys watching the games with family and staff. The anecdotes illustrate how the 1986 World Cup champion still finds joy in the current generation’s star player.