When the world awaited for four more years to see him crowned with the eternal glory of Football, the nation of blue and white is on the verge of elimination from the World Cup. The man who himself failed to deliver a single goal in the first two matches including a terrible error of missing a penalty against Iceland is facing the chops and chaps of the media and supporters. Lionel Messi is having his last ever World Cup as he is 30+ already may finish his cabinet without the World Cup trophy itself.
The five-time Ballon d’Or and the golden ball winner of Brazil World Cup look helpless and desperate at the same time. Though Argentina has got one of the best-attacking force in World football, they failed to deliver a victory in the first two group stage matches. A shocking exit is on the door and it would be humiliating for the runners-up of the last time. It is not only the last one for King Leo but for Higuain, Otamendi, Mascherano and quite a few others’ also.
Despite having world-class attackers like Aguero, Higuain, Dybala, Di Maria and the golden boot winner of this club season Lionel Messi Argentina can finish their World Cup journey in Russia next week. The Latin American side seemed sloppy and amateur against Croatia last time, where they lost the battle in the midfield against Modric and Rakitic duo. From the selection of the starting eleven to the whole match strategy, Sampaoli showed some pathetic and unforgiving moves. The worst part of this Argentine team is the defence and the strategic moves of Sampaoli.
The 36-years-old goalkeeper who looks alike Johnny Sins does not even know how to do basic jobs done. Caballero is terrible. May he can return to home safe. Then comes the back four. Sampaoli used three in spite of four in the back and guess what with even four they struggled to put a barrier against Iceland. Performers like Marcos Rojo and Fazio couldn’t get a place and that Enzo Perez and Acuna got their places in midfield with no Banega, Biglia or Celso.
Dybala got only 20 minutes to show his mediocre creating play works where Aguero and Meza were ineffective right at the top. Now, coming to Messi. Messi is a game turner, but with this team and strategy, he looks nowhere near the Messi, the world knows. Lionel Messi looked confused whether he would go like a playmaker or like a striker.
A pinch of bad luck was there also, but Argentina can even now survive as Nigeria got 3 valuable points against Iceland. Sampaoli now has to do better what he has done till now. Argentina must use Dybala or Aguero in a delivering role, where Messi would be in a feeding role.
No one can argue he is one the best play-makers in the world right now, but Messi must remember the opposition will follow him at any stake. So if he just acts like the passer through the webs of defence, even a trigger run into the ball can deliver a goal for the Barca boy. Finally, the Higuain factor. He must grow up and take responsibility. Higuain, please!
