Messi’s World Cup hopes hang in the balance as Argentina tries to advance.
There was never an intention for it to go this way. Many in Argentina believed that Lionel Messi’s World Cup would be a fitting send-off before he retired.
The tiny superstar with the magic in his boots claimed to be physically ready for what may be his last shot at World Cup glory.
This trophy would complete Messi’s collection of individual and team honors, which already includes 10 La Liga titles, 7 Ballon d’Or awards, 4 Champions League titles, and 1 Copa America title.
After shocking longtime rivals Brazil in their own backyard to win the Copa America last year, Argentina entered this tournament riding a stunning 36-match unbeaten streak.
Worldwide, experts and fans were calling Argentina a top contender.
The Argentines were giving in to their wildest fantasies, convinced that one of the sport’s all-time greats was on the verge of winning the World Cup.
They were sent crashing back down to earth on Tuesday, though, when they lost a shocking 2-1 game to a Saudi Arabia team that was both tactically superior and more athletic.
Messi’s World Cup narrative may be poised to conclude in ignominy, which is far from the topping on an already delectable cake.
In Argentina, they have started the autopsy process.
Many football experts and fans have questioned whether or not the “Pibe” was physically ready to play.
Because of a knock on his calf, he had missed a couple of group training sessions and instead stuck to his own individual routine.
His ankle looked distorted in the photo, but he was actually only holding an ice pack against it.
Apparently, his club, Paris Saint-Germain, was also at fault since they dared to play him frequently rather than protect him from injury in order to ensure that he would be in peak physical condition to represent France at the World Cup.
Inspiring words
As his team was caught offside seven times in the first half, coach Lionel Scaloni was criticized for his apparent inability to break through the Saudis’ high defensive line.
He was also criticized for his team’s inability to crack a resolute defense that sank lower after they gained the upper hand.
The sobering reality that Messi, at age 35, may not be as great as he once was was acknowledged.
Ole, a Norwegian sports newspaper, reported, “He is not injured, but he does have several logical ailments due to his age and the number of minutes played this season.”
However, Messi is still the idol of a nation.
He gave an inspiring speech to his teammates on the bus after the Saudi game, and word of it spread quickly.
A day later, he supposedly addressed them in training, saying, “The people believe that this group will not abandon them.”
We have played in these types of games before, so it’s time to come up for air. “It is up to us, we know that we have no choice (but to win),”
If Argentina want to beat Mexico on Saturday and keep their playoff hopes alive, Messi will need to play better than he did against Saudi Arabia.
