Ryan Reynolds sends good luck message to Wales World Cup squad

‘Deadpool’ star and Wrexham AFC co-owner threw his support behind the Dragons

Ryan Reynolds has shared a video message wishing luck to the Wales men’s football team ahead of their opening World Cup fixture.

The Wales squad is currently in Qatar for the controversy-hit 2022 World Cup, which will see them compete against England, the US and Iran to qualify from the group stage.

Reynolds has recently emerged as a prominent figure in Welsh football after buying a controlling share in Wrexham AFC, in partnership with It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Rob McElhenney.

Wales have not participated in a World Cup tournament since 1958, when they reached the quarter-finals.

Reynolds expressed his support for the side in a video recorded for WalesOnline.

“Hey, this is Ryan Reynolds,” he says in the clip. “I just wanted to send all my best wishes to the entire Welsh football club on their way to Qatar to compete at the World Cup.

“I’m actually sitting here right now with my best friend and my co-pilot at Wrexham AFC, Mr Rob McElhenney.”

McElhenney, however, stopped short of backing the Welsh contingent against his native USA.

“I just want to say ‘good luck but not too much luck’,” McElhenney quipped. “I mean, maybe a draw. A draw would be nice. Play your hearts out, though.”

“I’m so sorry about him,” Reynolds replied. “Crush all of your enemies; drink the blood of your enemies.

Reynolds and McElhenney at a Wrexham game together (Getty Images)

“Rob and I are actually in the car right now because we are driving to Qatar. Go get ’em.”

You can keep up to date with the latest World Cup news here.

Wales’s first match, against the US, takes place at 7pm GMT on Monday 21 November.

Players including former Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale and ex-Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey are expected to feature for Wales, while Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna will likely star for the US.