Messi in final is written in stars

GARETH BALE’S lack of game

time in Los Angeles definitely ought to make a difference to his contribution for Wales. But there’s no guarantee you won’t get the best version of Bale and the optimal performance from him, especially when Wales play England. It’s a bit like Argentina, who will be a different team if the best version of Lionel Messi turns up, which in his last World Cup I suspect will happen. If Messi gets Argentina to the final, by the way, it will be his 1,000th game. Something tells me it’s written in the stars where he, Argentina and this World Cup are concerned. As for Bale, he only needs a couple of minutes in these group-stage games to win them. Two or three Bale moments could put them in a great place.