#Copa America 2019

[l0n4t1csfan65]

some copa america lgbtq hcs and plz dont kill me

[yelling-screaming-crying]

My dumbass thought the #copa america tag trending rn was about the coppa laws that killed youtube(and aphmau's content) from like 2019. :(

[cloudsspoke]

La Scaloneta is a...

It’s clear that both fans and players share the same sentiments toward La Scaloneta. “ An incredible group that was put together. When you are at the club sometimes you say, how long is it until you go to the national team? You are happy to be there ”, this is how Paredes defined the squad.

- The 'infamous' Players' Group Whatsapp

Paredes is the one who was in charge of creating the group chat. “ We were following the World Cup group drawing through Whatsapp. No, it’s not called La Scaloneta. The coach doesn’t like the nickname, sometimes we tell him jokingly. We left it (the Whatsapp group chat's name) at ‘Copa America’ because it was created when we play for Copa America ”

(Lautaro and Cuti confessed that a day after the World Cup Final, Paredes renamed the group chat from 'Copa America Champion' to ‘World Cup Champion’).

Another story Paredes told about the group chat was, “ We always talk. Every time one of us has to play we try to watch and talk after the game. There are many times that we have to play at the same time and we can’t, but we always try to look at each other ”

- A lot of times they have to become rival for 90mins, but let's pray for this squad to remain as a "Brother" for a very long time 🤞

- The way they take care of each other

Paredes took a trip down memory lane to the first moment he and De Paul broke the ice with Messi. He said, “ It was during an afternoon when we still had 2 hours before training and didn’t know what to do. And Rodri said, ‘That’s it, let’s grab the cards, mate, and knock on Leo’s door’. The idea is that simple; to play truco, drink mate, listen to some music, and hope he would receive us in the best way. We were lucky he opened the door to his room for us and everything has worked well since that moment "

De Paul on Messi: Having him, everything is easier. On a club level, I only had contact with him once, at Valencia vs Barcelona. Apart from that, I didn’t know him. Given everything he lives through he could be a reserved character, so he surprised me (as it turns out) he enjoys having a mate, listening to a song, and playing truco. We do warm-up games, and I say: ‘Leo, I’ll take you on!’, he loves that. That humanizes him. You can see him like he's from another dimension, but he’s just a person.

Furthermore, De Paul describes his role in the National Team as a ‘spare tire’. I have no problem putting it like that. And I’ll do anything to wear this jersey. With my role, we can cover Paredes and help Messi, everything comes in its own time whether it’s to help Messi to attack, or hold back to cover Paredes. You compliment them.

Messi's praise of De Paul

Between players, it has been well-known that the secret to make Leo (Messi) happy is by treating him normally. However, Cristian Romero said in reality it worked the other way around.

Cuti: Since I joined the National team, Leo always treats me like I am one of them, he made me see how simple it is beyond everything he has won in his career. 

"Rodrigo De Paul desde el primer día lo protegió, lo abrazó y lo apadrinó." - Molina's father told the story about how De Paul took care of his son when Molina first time played abroad for Udinese

Molina: I was at my house when Rodri with Correa were the first ones to call me and said ‘Congratulations! You deserve it! I hope you don’t flatter yourself (note: in a joking manner)’. I didn’t understand it until they told me that I had been summoned by the National Team.

Paredes to De Paul: How well we raised these 3 (Cuti-Licha-Moli)

Meanwhile, long before acting as Molina’s ‘godparent’, Rodri was the ‘little brother’ of Ota back when the 2 of them played for Valencia (and they’ve been a roommate since Brazil's 2019 Copa America). Take a look back at their Instagram, there are so many photos of them together both on-off pitch, even after Ota moved to Manchester, the friendship still continued.

- Players' bonding time with Asado

Love how the young ones 'take advantage' by making the elder do the cooking

- Their attention to the injured ones

Players' support for Gio; before, during, and after his comeback from injury

Mac Allister about Garnacho: I'm sure Licha is working on it (persuading Garna to join Argentina) right now

Licha: I'm taking him with me to Argentina

It’s like a cycle of them taking care of each other, one another 💕 Just like how Ota took care of Rodri and Rodri took care of Molina in return. Gio’s presence helped Cuti to adapt when they were both in Tottenham even for a little while. Tagliafico helped Licha while both played for Ajax. Leo welcomed Paredes in the NT and later Paredes (together with Di Maria & Ney) helped Leo adjust to a new life in Paris, and now it’s Licha’s turn to be ‘the old brother’ of Garnacho.

Meanwhile, so many people against Garnacho join the Argentine side, mostly because they are afraid this kid’s personality will ruin the ‘harmony’ within players and all those bullshit talk about him idolizing Ronaldo. Well, in my opinion, I am 100% sure that the second Garnacho misbehaves (if ever), Licha will be the first to reprimand him. For real though, I don’t think there will be bad individuals inside this NT as long as there are players like De Paul, Paredes, and Dibu.

And yes, like Kun said, wish that the more Garnacho spends time seeing Messi play, the faster he will realize who the real GOAT is,

although imo it’s not a crime to choose CR7 over Messi? if Messi can be best friends with Neymar and Suarez (both are Argies’ rivals), then why can’t Garna choose CR7 over Messi? It's only a matter of preference (not loyalty), anyway.

Meanwhile, Haters had a field day over Garnacho's injury news. Too bad we can't see Licha really taking Garna to Argentina.

- The 'dont-touch-Leo-or-I-will-kill-you' movement:

Throwback to Kun's reaction seeing the UCL drawing when PSG, Juventus, and Benfica were in the same group.

Meanwhile… Di Maria (& Messi himself) be like.. 😂

- Different interviews were conducted at different times, but these players shared the same stories about the squad

To quote Paredes: none of them makes a bad face if they have to be corrected, while Dibu said: ‘Acá nadie pone mala cara’

Dibu: One fell and the other ten help him to get up Licha: If they touch one (of us), we all go (to defend him)

De Paul said ‘Everyone knows what they’re expected to do’, similar to Paredes’ statement ‘Each one knows what they have to contribute’

Throwback to September 2019 during the match against Mexico. Argentina got a chance to score a goal via a penalty kick after Lautaro’s shot touched the hand of Mexico player. It’s understandable for Lau to think that he should be the player in charge of the pen kick since he already scored a brace and aimed for a hattrick. But somehow after Lau took the ball from Ochoa, Paredes demanded the ball from Lau and kicked the penalty himself. Paredes eventually scored & celebrated the goal with Lau, and 6 mins later Lautaro succesfully scored a hattrick. After the game, Lau posted a photo of him and Paredes with a playful caption to quickly shut down any rumor about an ‘altercation’ between him and Paredes during the penalty kick.

As for now, for me, it is ironic how people assume bringing Garnacho to the Scaloni squad can bring ‘dressing room drama’. No, it’s not. It’s the fans' ‘toxic’ culture that could destroy this family. The way people start to compete players against each other or criticize players’ World Cup performance while disregarding their roles in the previous tournaments. Yeah, everyone has their own opinion, but acting like they have the right to decide who should join the NT or play as a starter is truly ridiculous.

Paredes was one of the ‘undisputed starters’ on Scaloni’s squad but quickly lost his place after the loss against Saudi Arabia. He accepted his role as a substitute player and helped his teammates from the bench. “ I didn’t arrive in the best physical way and I was aware by not being 100% gonna cost me a lot. The group was above everything and luckily the great teammates (Enzo & Mac Allister) appeared as they played enormously well. I was surprised and very proud of them. ”

Dybala interview with Marca: I needed some time after my injury and I was not yet in the best condition. I wanted to support, be positive with the best energies, and never put an angry or frustrated face for not being played. I made the team feel like they could count on me. And so it was, I felt better and Scaloni trusted me in one of the most important moments.

Lautaro interview with espnargentina: I have discomfort with my swollen ankle and I had to play with painkillers. It’s not the World Cup that I expected (because the injury made him underperform), but Juli’s arrival made me very happy. He’d give the team what I couldn’t give.

I’ve seen many people questioning why then Scaloni didn’t choose a 100% fit player if he knew Dybala, Lautaro and Paredes weren’t 100% fit. The audacity for these people to think like that, because despite their injuries, during the crucial moments, all the 3 of them stepped up and executed their roles perfectly.

What's next?

Scaloni's interview on March 21st: I thanked the players again for winning the title, now it’s time to celebrate but this goes on. And it’s going to cost us more than ever because they are going to want to beat us much more. We need a lot more energy from everyone because everything will be more difficult.

In regards to the national team:

“A new process begins. Those who are world champions don’t have an advantage. The most important thing is that the players don't feel like the owners of the National Team and that the coach is always watching. There are also kids who are going to grow and play at a high level and fight for a place (in the NT)."

Say, we, supporters, love this team. We'd love to see Messi to win more trophies alongside these Muchachos. The closest is that we aim for a Copa America back-to-back champion. This time it will be 10x more difficult because other countries will proly want to beat Argentina just out of spite, just for them to be able to say "WE BEAT THE WORLD CHAMPION, WHERE IS MESSI? WE POCKET HIM, etc etc", like Scaloni said, this squad needs a lot more energy from everyone, and imo that includes US, the supporters.

Why? As I said earlier, fans' toxic culture could destroy this team from outside. What supporters don't easily grasp is the fact that Scaloni can easily kick any players out once they don't perform well and there's better replacement. This fact, the players are fully aware as they said in numerous interviews "In this squad, there's only 1 player who's irreplaceable. Other than Messi, we always have to fight for 1 spot". Specifically, De Paul said this, "I'll do anything to be able to wear this jersey, but if one day I don't play, it's because there are others who play better than me.",

Well, I think it's safe for us (supporters) to love all players equally and love them based on their performance on the pitch. That way if Scaloni decides to drop them from the future squad list we won't be so upset or displeased with that decision because we know that it's because there are other players who (according to Scaloni's better judgment) play better than our faves. If the players can accept the consequences with big hearts (like Lau, Dybala, and Paredes) then supporters need to learn to be respectful toward Scaloni and just pray for the best.

⭐⭐⭐

📌 Bonus gifs+pics

Lovely place, with good feelings, and a happy squad. The return of the KINGS 👑

Because Tumblr can only have up to 30 images in a post, I can't say anything more about this squad, but if you enjoy reading this post you can also click here to similar posts I have already made:

(1) Little Things I love from La Scaloneta

(2) Hilarious & Heartwarming stories about La Scaloneta

(3) Crackhead Muchachos

(4) Full thread about AFA's Tournament de Truco

(5) Full thread about Players' room arrangement (¿Quién duerme con quién?) + more gifs about Messi and the gang

🇦🇷🏆

[afadaily]

Rodrigo De Paul on Messi’s speech before facing Brazil at the World Cup Qualifiers 🗣️:

He said to us “We lost against Brazil in 2019, we came back, we won Copa America and made history. We lost against Saudi Arabia, we won the World Cup and made history. Now we lost again against Uruguay, so let’s go out and make history again” 🐐

[julianalvarez9]

virgil, the aeneid x copa america

(2) Copa America Brazil 2019 Semi Final match. Photo by Koji Watanabe // (3, 6, 20 & 21) Copa America Brazil 2021 Final match. Photo by Thiago Ribeiro // (5) Angel Di Maria celebrates after scoring the first goal of his team during the final of Copa America Brazil 2021. Photo by Alexandre Schneider // (8) Detail of Lionel Messi's boot during a semi-final match of Copa America Brazil 2021. Photo by Alexandre Schneider. // (9) Lionel Messi controls the ball during the final of Copa America Brazil 2021. Photo by Wagner Meier. // (11) Lionel Messi with teammates during the penalty shoot out on the Final match of the Copa America Centenario USA 2016. Photo by Tim Clayton. // (12) Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates winning a penalty shootout after a semi-final match of Copa America Brazil 2021. Photo by Alexandre Schneider. // (14 & 15) Screencaps from Netflix's "Sean Eternos: Campeones de América" // (17) Lionel Messi during the 2015 Copa America Chile Final match. Photo by Miguel Tovar // (18) Lionel Messi prior to the final of Copa America Brazil 2021. Photo by Buda Mendes // (23) Lionel Messi after the 2015 Copa America Chile Final match. Photo by Raul Sifuentes. // (24) Lionel Messi celebrates as he talks on his phone with his family after winning the final of Copa America Brazil 2021. Photo by Alexandre Schneider.

[chompinatthebit]

Team USA has their man?

The search for the next leader of the US Men's National team is over, as Mauricio Pochettino is the next man to try and send the US men's team to the top of the soccer world. The US dismissed Gregg Berhalter for the second time after a poor showing at Copa America, with the consensus from critics that they needed to make a big name hire.

The former Chelsea coach comes in with an impressive resumé, probably the best the US has ever seen. He is known for a high pressing 4-2-3-1 attacking style of play and development of young players, which does sound like a good change for the national team.

Pochettino started in La Liga with Espanyol back in 2009 where he dealt with reported financial restrictions but established a system from the youth academy to the senior team which drew praise.

He then made the move to Southampton in 2013 where he lead the team to an 8th place finish which was the Saints best finish and highest point total in several years.

2014 saw him move over to Totthenham, the move that really made him a big name coach. They were immediately in contention in 2015, finishing the season 3rd in the table. The following season they had a second place finish, another great finish for the squad. His best season was 2019, where the Spurs made the Champions League final but lost to Liverpool.

In 2021, Pochettino found himself at PSG which saw him lead the team to a French Super Cup win, loss in the Champions League semis to Manchester City, Coupe de France title and second place finish in the league by a single point behind the champions in Lille. He did get PSG the ligue1 title the very next season, though.

In 2023, he was back in the Premier League as the coach of Chelsea, immediately taking the team to the EFL cup final but lose to Liverpool. He had issues with management over strategy and squad management that did lead to his dismissal in May of 2024

Pochettino has coached many big name players, that have been very successful under him, some of them you may have heard of: Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Messi just to name a few. Pochettino hasn't been officially named yet as their is an issue with his Chelsea contract that the US have to figure out first but I doubt it isn't one that wouldn't be solved soon.

So do you like the move to get Pochettino and his attacking style of play, working the ball out of the back trying to work passes into the box?

I appreciate you for reading...enjoy your day!

[enzulianblog]

Julián y Enzo a lo largo del tiempo

Reserva de River Plate (2019)

River Plate

Entrenando en River Plate

Ultimo partido jugado por Julian y Enzo antes de que ambos se vayan a Europa. (06-07-2022)

Julian se despide de River Plate

Entrenamiento con la Selección Argentina.

Mundial 2022 - Qatar

Amistosos

Copa America

[techpremik]

Argentina vs Canada Copa Amereica 2024

Argentina has been on a remarkable run since June 2019, being unbeaten in 32 matches, which includes winning their first Copa America since 1993 and cruising through qualification for the World Cup in Qatar.

Canada has made significant strides as well, jumping 32 places to No. 40 in the FIFA rankings over the course of 2021, earning the title of "Most Improved Side" by FIFA. They've had success in World Cup qualifying and reached the semifinals of the Gold Cup.

Both teams have shown impressive performances leading up to the Copa America 2024.

Argentina and Canada have faced each other in 1 match in the FIFA World Cup, with Argentina winning that encounter. There is no extensive historical data available for their head-to-head record beyond this match.

Get More Info

[neyxmessi]

After Argentina’s defeat to Brazil in the 2019 Copa America, Neymar and Messi were involved in a brief embrace as the Argentina captain trudged around backstage after the semi-final clash. Spanish outlet SPORT say the pair resumed their meet-up for "several minutes".

[l0n4t1csfan65]

brazil dinner

[cant-get-no-worse]

I loved reading your post about Neymar leaving barca. Can you please write about Messi too. I'm also kinda new to the inside story's of football so would really like to know about it.

Making a culer ramble about LM10 leaving Barcelona

Anyways LET'S GO BOYS, buckle the seatbelts and set up the parachutes cause this one's messy (cue faint laughter) too.

Context : so Leo Messi was signed at 13 yo at FCB, and is therefore considered a La Masia (club's academy) product, such as the likes of Iniesta, Xavi (current coach), Piqué, Puyol, etc, and more recently Gavi, Fati, etc. He did his whole club career there, from 2000 (with the Junior team) till 2021; was widely seen as a one-club man who'd end his career there, at the club of his life. Despite this though, everything wasn't all unicorns and pink sparkles and his relationship with the club wavered several times, and hard.

There were first rumors about a departure in 2014, but the death of Tito Vilanova (Barca assistant/coach and close to Leo) changed that (common version is that Tito asked him to stay at the club, Leo obliged). A year later in 2015, very strong movements about him possibly moving to Chelsea after rumored failing relationship with then coach Luis Enrique. Everything kind of calmed down until Neymar's departure in 2017; Leo was one of several players who entered in a sort of cold war with the board for failing to find a proper replacement for Neymar. A bit of calm again, until in August 2020, small bombshell: Messi's side sent a burofax (the trolling on twitter was funny asf ngl) expressing his desire to part ways with the club. By then, under the presidency of Bartomeu, the club was a clear mess in and off the pitch and getting out of one of its worst seasons ever (2019 - 2020). Ensued a very public back and forth argument between Messi's side and the club (about which ex players and ex managers also expressed their opinions, somehow), at the end of which Messi eventually refused to take the matter to court (« I would never go to court against the club of my life » alright, let me indulge in that quote a bit, a girl needs some soothing).

So he started the 2020 - 2021 season to go til the end of his contract, which was to end on July 1st, 2021. Didn't deter him from openly speaking against the club, though, the guy was pissed off and made it known (criticizing the way Luis Suarez, FCB striker since 2014 and close friend of Leo, was shamefully let go from the club: « at this stage nothing surprises me any more [about the club] »). The season finished in May 2021, and by that time, despite very mediocre results, it's said he'd changed his mind and wanted to stay at the club, wanted to sign a contract extension. On July 1st, contract expired, he becomes a free agent (meaning any club can sign him) in the middle of the Copa America he's playing with Argentina.

Now, ensue one of the most messy couple of weeks ever. We don't really know what happened because several versions were given: it's all image/media manipulation on who fucked who, who's at fault, who tried, etc. Basically, it's Laporta v. Messi's side. I would direct you to this twitter thread that gives the player's version. Broken down simply, everything seemed to have been agreed for a renewal; Leo spend the 2021 Copa America (DALE CAMPEON) persuaded that it was just a matter of days/weeks until he'd sign the renewal. Until, very suddenly, on August 5th, Laporta called it all off and said the deal wouldn't go through; FCB wouldn't renew Messi.

Of the reasons that were invoked, the crucial point remains the obvious financial struggles the club was going through (had been for long time, it was kind of the tipping point). Messi's wages were declared too expensive and endangering for the club, despite Messi reportedly agreeing to a 50% or 75% - versions vary - wages cut (something no other player in the dressing room agreed to); Laporta said he was putting the club's safety above all else. So, by early August 2021, Messi was left with no club, his agent/father having rejected multiple times multiple offers (such as City's) in July, thinking a new deal was to be concluded shortly with FCB.

BOOM. Do you hear that? That's oil money, babe. Enter our dear trashcan of a club, PSG. PSG's sporting director, Leonardo, had left the door ajar for Jorge Messi, just in case: that's were Jorge went, for lack of other options, when Laporta called the FCB deal off at the ending month of the summer transfer window. There were strong links for Messi to go to PSG: the French locker room comprised several close Argentine friends & teammates with whom he'd just won the Copa America (Paredes, Di Maria) and another close friend in Neymar, who'd never stopped dreaming about playing with Leo again and was all too eager to make Leo come to PSG. These guys pushed for him to come to the club; it assured him some familiarity amidst what was a career & life earthquake - change of club, of league, of country. PSG immediately facilitated everything, and in a matter of days, the deal was concluded. (Upon which our very own Brazilian 222M transfer posted Instagram stories of him watching Neymar/Messi edits on Youtube to celebrate Leo's coming. I got no words. Istg we should disect the man's brains.)

The infamous press conf given by Leo was reportedly rushed by Laporta's side, who wanted to get accross Laporta's version of what had happened as quickly and controlled as possible.

Messi's departure broke several links: commercially wise, important sponsors withdrew from the club and from La Liga. Personally wise, his friendship with Piqué (it's said Piqué, friend dating all the way back to the La Masia days, was the one who told Laporta getting Messi off would help the club's finances), which Messi took as a treason (they still don't talk to this day). Messi's relationship with Laporta took a hit too, I mean, like, was completely broken as well. That's partly why until a few months ago it seemed impossible for him to come back, with a relationship to a club's president as severed as theirs was/is. The overnight U turn of Laporta deprived Messi from having options (City, were his ex manager Pep Guardiola is) and forced him to chose under the pressure of time, the fact that if Laporta had decided to make the older players in the locker room take a wage cut as well, with the amount of revenue Messi generates for the club, he could have stayed, the cold media war over which version was the truth, the press conference, etc.

It's messy as fuck. But unlike Neymar's departure, it's not coming from the player, but rather a player evicted from the club (with reason or not; I'm not judging, just stating), so it's less of asking from where/why the decision comes from, and more why/was it necessary to.

In conclusion :

That's it for the Messi saga (shiver - for now..). Stay tuned etc. Hope I cleared a bit up! ❤️

[njrsports]

EIGHTH BALLOND,OR WINS LIONEL MESSI

THE WINNER OF THE 2023 BALLOND,OR HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED AND LIONEL MESSI HAS WON A RECORD -EXTENDING EIGHTH AWARD. THE INTER MIAMI AND ARGENTINA STRICKER , WHO PLAYED FOR PARIS SAINT -GERMAIN LAST SEASON CAPTAINED ARGENTINA TO THE WORLD CUP IN QUATAR IN LAST DECEMBER ENDING A 36 -YEAR WAIT FOR THE SOUTH AMERICAN COUNTRY.MESSI 36 HAS WON THE AWARD THREE TIMES MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE. LIONEL MESSI WAS NAMED THE BALLONDOR, 2023 WINNER AT A CERMONEY IN PARIS ON MONDAY, THE EIGTH TIME HE WAS WON THE PRESTIGIOUS AWARD. MESSI CAPTAINED ARGENTINA TO 2022 WORLD CUP SUCESS IN QUATAR LAST WINTER THE FAST TIME HE WON THE TOURNAMENT WHICH ENDED A 36 -YEAR WAIT. LA ALBICELESTE. THE MESSI IN 36 YEAR -OLD SCORED TWICE IN A BLOCKBUSTER FINAL AGANIST FRANCE IN DECEMBER WHICH FINISHED 3-3 AFTER EXTRA TIME SCORED IN THE PENALTY SHOOT-OUT AND WAS NAMED PLAYER OF THE MATCH. MESI FOUGHT OFF- COMPETITION FROM MANCHESTER CITY ERLING HAAALAND AND FORMER PARIS SAINT GERMAIN TEAM MATE KYLIAN MBABBE AS WELL AS 26 OTHER NOMINESES TO WIN THE AWARD. IN A LEAGUE TITILE WINNING SEASON FOR PSG HE PLAYED 41 MATCHES DURING . THE 2022/23 SEASON SCORED 21 GOALS AND PROVIDED 20 ASSISTS AT THE WORLD CUP IN QUATAR MESSI SCORED TWICE IN THE GROUP STAGE AND WAS ON TARGET IN EACH KNOCKOUT ROUND IN AUSTRALIA AND NETHERLANDS ,AND CROATIA AND THEN IN THE FINAL . HE FINISHED SECOND IN THE TOP GOALSCORER CHARTS WITH SEVEN GOALS AND RECEIVED THE GOLDEN BOLL ATT THE CONCLUSION OF THE TOURNAMENT IN RECOGNITION OF HIS FINE CAMPAIGHN . ON STAGE HE SAID,, THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO SHARE TO SHARE WITH THE MY NATIONAL TEAM .. THE ENTIRE GROUP THE COACHING STAFF EVERYONE INVOLVED,. I,M DELIGHTED TOBR HERE ONCE MORE TO BE ABLE TO ENJOY IN TO THE WORLD CUP LA ALBICELESTE BEAT FRANCE ON PENALTIES IN THE FINALS AT THE 2022 WORLD CUP IN QUATAR WITH MESSI CLAMING THE GOLDEN BOLL AS WELL. BEFORE MOVING TO MIAMI THIS SUMMER THE 36 YEAR OLD FORWARD ALSO WON THE FRENCH TITLE WITH PARIS SAINT -GERMAIN. IN AUGUST THE SUPERSTAR STAR TOOK HIS NEW TEAM TO THEIR EVER TITILE AS INTER MIAMI CLINCHED THE LEAGUES CUP. I,COULDN,T THAT L,VE ACHEIVED THE FORTUNE I,VE HAD PLAYING FOR THE BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD THE BEST TEAM IN HISTORY. IT,S TIME NICE TO WITH THSE TO WIN COPA AMERICA AND THEN THE WORLD CUP GET IT DONE IS AMAZING.

MESSI AWARDS

EUROPEAN GOLDEN SHOE -2018,2017,2013

WORLS SOCCER PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2012- 2011-,2009

PICHICHI TROPHY 2021 , 2020, 2019

FI FA WORLD PLAYER OF THE PLAYER -2009.

THE BEST FIFA MENS PLAYER 2019.

UEFA MENS PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2011 2015

BALLOND,OR 2019 2021 2023 .

LA LIGA AWARD BEST PLAYER -2013,2012,2015

GOLDEN BOY AWARD 2020

FIFA GOLDEN BOLL 2014

UEFA FOOTBOLL OF THE YEAR 2009

BRAVO AWARD 2007

MARCA AWARD 2009

UEFA CLUB FORWARD OF THE YEAR 2009

COPA AMERICA YONG PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2007

LA LIGA PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2010

LA LIGA FOREIGN OFF THE YEAR 2010

ARGENTINA CAPTAIN LIONEL MESSI WON A RECORD EXTENDING 8 TH BALLONDOR FOR THE BEST PLAYER OF THE C IN THE WORLD ON MONDAY . BEATING NORWAYS UEFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR AND TRABLE WINNER ERLING HALLAND OF MANCHESTER CITY TO THE PRESTIGIOUS PRIZE WHO HIMSELF BAGGED THE GERED MULLER TROPHY AFTER BECOMING THE HIGHEST SCORE IN EUROPE LAST SEASON WITH 56 GOALS. INTER MIAMI MESSI WHO LAST WON THE AWARD IN 2021 PLAYED ROLE IN GFUDINING ARGENTINA TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP TITLE IN 36 YEARS WHEN THEY BEAT DEFENDING FRANCE IN THE FINAL LAST YEAR. THE 36 YEARS OLD IS NOW 3 BALLONDOR LEAR OF RIVAL CR7 WHO WON THE LAST HIS 5 TROPHYS IN 2017. MESSI HAS NOW FINISHED AMONG THE TOP THREE A RECORD 14 TIMES IN TOTAL FINISHING RUNNER UP ON THE 5 OCCASIONS... MESSI RELOCATED TO SPAIN FROM ARGENTINA AGED 13 TO JOIN BARCELONA FOR WHOM HE MADE HIS COMPETITIVE DEBUT AGED 17 IN OCTOBER 2004. HE ESTABLISHED HIMSELF AS AN INTEGRAL OLAYER FOR THE CLUB WITH IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS. AND IN THE FIRST SEAQSON 2008.2009. AN ARGENTINA INTERNATIONAL MESSI IS THE COUNTRY ALL TIME LEADING GOAL SCORER AND ALSO HOLDS THE NATIONAL RECORD FOR APPERENCES . AT YOUTH LEVEL HE WON THE 2005 FIFA WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP. FINISHING THE TOURNAMENT WITH BITH THE GOLDEN BOLL AND GOLDEN SHOE . 2008 SUMMER OLYMPICS. A PROLFIC GOAL SCORER AND CREATIVE PLAY MAKER MESSI HOLDS THE RECORDS THE MOST GOALS IN A LA LIGA AND COPA AMERICA.

[cloudsspoke]

Breaking: Paulo Dybala no va a la Copa

This whole Dybala mess really upsets me.

This is actually kinda ironic for me because back in March, at the end of my post (this post), I wrote a lengthy paragraph about how fans’ toxic culture could destroy this team.

That supporters’ behavior who tend to compete players against e.o or criticize players, act like they have the right to decide who should join the NT and who shouldn’t is ridiculous. I mean, being Scaloni isn’t an easy job. Not only that Scaloni have to defend the Copa America title holder, but he also has to pick 23 or 26 players to be invited for his Copa squad when roughly 50 players are showing immense performance on their respective clubs this season. It must’ve been a dilemma, and supporters need to be wise in accepting what Scaloni has decided and believe that Scaloni knows better what is best for his team.

I never expected that I would have to swallow the bitter pill of my own words. Because that is actually what’s happening now, with Dybala becoming the center of controversion in light of the decision made by Scaloni.

Really, who would have thought that the player that gets left behind would be Dybala?

We’ve all seen how Dybala is a true baller this season, despite his injuries. Man be the only player who won 3 POTM awards, assisted 9 times, and scored 13 goals with 7 of that being 100% successful penalties. Unlike how he got injured 40 days before the World Cup, this time –less than a month before Copa– he’s fit. But what the heck then Scaloni decided not to call him?????

Maybe this is what Scaloni meant when he said, those who played for WC don’t have any advantages. That the only 2 players who got a 100% guarantee to play for this year’s Copa are just Messi and Di Maria. But the idea of not calling Dybala is just a total shocker to almost everyone.

A little throwback when the news of him picking up an injury just 40 days before the World Cup sent his teammates into concern. According to Cuti’s statement, their Whatsapp Group chat talked about that and he felt bad for Dybala.

But, surprise surprise, he still made it into the list and joined the whole team just a day before he celebrated his birthday with the team in Abu Dhabi (November 14th).

You can see just how happy and relieved everyone was when they embraced Dybala, even Cuti hogged him from the rest of the players.

Back to the present time.

How can I defend Dybala without discrediting other players, such as Angel Correa, Garnacho (who did well on United tbh), Carboni, or Nico Gonzales, whom according to Sofascore they are all scored less than Dybala’s average rating.

How can I explain that I don't expect Dybala to play as a starter (I don't even expect him to play as a sub either). My only plea toward Scaloni is simply to put Dybala on the roster just like Scaloni always puts Armani despite him not playing. Dybala's presence itself is enough for me.

I know the reality is kinda harsh for Dybala as he found it difficult to get a permanent spot (not only in the Scaloni era).

As in the last World Cup, Dybala only played <20 minutes (replacing Julian in the 74th minute in the match against Croatia and coming on in the last minute during the Final match).

Moreover, in the previous Copa Dybala was also absent due to poor performance at Juve caused by his injury. It really hurts to know he missed the chance to play when the country won the trophy.

To lessen the disappointment, he at least won Finalissima by only playing for 5 minutes, and amazingly in just that short time he scored a goal to secure that 3-0 victory over Italy.

Looking back at the 2019 Copa, out of the total 6 matches played by Argentina, Dybala’s first time entering the field was in the 3rd match against Qatar. Coming on in the 76th minute to replace Lautaro, providing an assist for Kun 6 minutes later. Argentina’s 4th match, he played in the last 5 minutes when Argentina was leading 2-0.

In the next game, again he came in the 85th minute when Argentina had already lost 2-0 to Brazil, and as for the last match to obtain the 3rd place Dybala played as a starter, along with Messi and Kun, scored in the 22nd minute before being replaced by Di Maria in the 67th minute.

Can you see what I’m trying to prove here?

Dybala may not always be the #1 option, but when he eventually plays, he delivers. He’s a clutch. And just like his statement, that he simply wanted to support the team, and tried not to show an angry or frustrated face for not being played. He knew this, and regardless of the situation he was fine with that. He accepted that.

And judging from how very important it is to be an NT player for every Argentinian footballer, I believe Dybala is happy enough to be invited to this year’s Copa even without any guarantee that Scaloni will really let him play. I believe he wouldn’t mind being a benchwarmer (unlike that England player who refused the country call because he didn’t want to be a benchwarmer under Southgate as coach).

So, what made Scaloni leave him out this time around?

What frustrates me the most is knowing there’s no logical reason to justify Scaloni’s shocking decision not to call Dybala up for Copa. There’s absolutely no reason at all.

1) He's fit,

2) His performance with Roma this season is amazing despite injury, while the other players that Scaloni chose are actually played not much better than Dybala,

3) Sentimental aspect-wise, he's one of the senior players,

And even more so 4) He has good chemistry with the whole team (( Especially since he's also part of Messi's close circle –Messi, LDP, Ota, Di Maria, and the Palo Santo trio– ))

5) Nothing bad happened between him and Scaloni previously (as confirmed by Scaloni himself in this interview).

Even Scaloni told that story about his son Noah’s favorite player is Dybala. Like, is that doesn't mean a thing??????

In return, Dybala always shows respect to Scaloni. Never openly throw a fit or complaint.

6) More importantly, this might be Dybala’s last chance to play in Copa America ffs!!

So, what's with the sudden plot twist????

Many people reacted to this news by saying, “Scaloni can do everything that he wants, you don’t question him”, "With or without Dybala won't change anything", and yes, it’s true. Scaloni could have called Dybala either based on performance aspect or sentimental reason, or even simply just because he can and I bet no one will gonna file a complaint about that because almost all of us expected Dybala to be there!! And okay, Dybala's existence won't give any differences since probably won't play either, but at the very least it could spare Scaloni from having this unnecessary public frenzy.

But somehow out of nowhere, Scaloni chose the extreme opposite. Which then sparked public heated discussion, and eventually, supporters dragged the other players like Garnacho or Nico Gonzales, when In my opinion the most random thing out of this situation is the fact that Scaloni chose Angel Correa over Dybala (again, I don't mean to belittle Correa, simply just stating a fact that it's bizarre).

Call me overreacting or being a bit too dramatic, but it feels like Scaloni is using the power that he knows he has. I’m saying this because there’s no justifiable reason to explain this Dybala situation, this feels like purely a power trip from the coach.

I try to respect Scaloni’s decision, I try to be positive and supportive, I want to be level-headed in response to this news, I try not to hate the coach, I try not dragging the other players, and even try to not pity Dybala’s bad luck too, but it’s just hard.

I know, anything can still happen.

Who knows, right?

Maybe Scaloni suddenly realizes that he made a mistake and is willing to make a little change on the squad list. Maybe some players try to reason with Scaloni for him to call Dybala. Or maybe someone from the already selected strikers picks up a last-minute injury so he can’t play thus Scaloni has no other option than to replace that someone with Dybala (this is very ill thought coming from my brain, pardon not pardon). or maybe Dybala will get married to Oriana this June, so at the very least, he won’t be feeling too woeful to abstain from Copa (the last part is just my wishful thinking tho)…

At last, I'm upset knowing that Dybala out from Copa means I won't get any new content of this beloved Cordobese pair.

And for this reason alone, Scaloni, sir, what you did is a crime.

UPDATE:

Paulo Dybala rompió el silencio tras la no convocatoria a la Selección Argentina:

Tenía confianza en formar parte del equipo, así que fue un golpe muy duro para mí porque ser parte de la selección nacional es una de las mejores cosas que he tenido. Entiendo que a nuestro entrenador le resulte difícil elegir. Tenemos tantos buenos jugadores en equipos de toda Europa y él tiene que elegir 26. Respeto su decisión. Siempre le he dicho eso. Tengo una gran relación con él y sin duda ha elegido lo mejor para la Selección Argentina.

Estaré animando desde casa, como siempre que no estoy en el equipo. Tengo muchos amigos y espero de todo corazón que puedan volver a ganar la Copa América.

No estoy llorando, tú estás llorando 😭😭😭😭

[afadaily]

Adidas made to Leo 8 golden rings, each one with a different design according to his achievements each year:

2009: “The Kiss” for his celebration kissing his boot at the UCL Final against Manchester United 🔴

2010: “Looking at the sky” for his famous celebration in honor to his grandmother Celia.

2011: “GOAT” for being selected as the best player of the best team ever, Guardiola’s FC Barcelona.

2012: “91” for scoring that number of times in a single season, an achievement nobody has been able to equalise or surpass.

2015: For his last UCL trophy.

2019: For winning the Golden Boot.

2021: “South american Champion” for winning the Copa America, being MVP and Top Scorer.

2023: “The three stars” for his biggest and most recent achievement: The World Cup

[brazilnt]

also arthur???? not even being funny but he hasn’t made waves since the 2019 copa america

[liamhaydn-blog]

Lionel Messi at the 2022 World Cup

The first ever winter World Cup appeared perfectly timed for Lionel Messi. The previous season, his first in the colours of Paris Saint-Germain, had been the toughest of his career to date. The flawless finishing we had witnessed for well over a dozen years momentarily deserted him and was replaced with efforts suddenly being denied by posts, crossbars and goalkeepers, more often than they were finding the net. For the first time since his teenage years, Messi failed to reach double figures in the league, scoring just six goals in 26 appearances, and 11 in all competitions. Those who saw this and declared Messi’s glory years over would quickly be proven wrong however as just a few months into his second campaign with PSG and his difficulties in the previous season were already nothing but a rapidly fading memory. 

By the time club football took a winter break for the mid-season World Cup, Messi had already outperformed last season’s goal haul, with 7 in the league and 12 in all competitions. On top of this he also added 14 assists in the 19 games he featured. The numbers and performances showed us Messi was coming into the World Cup bang on form, and given his age of 35, playing this tournament mid-season rather than at the end of another long 50+ game season, was likely to be more of a help than a hindrance. 

The Argentina side he would be captaining at the finals were unbeaten since they suffered a loss to Brazil at the 2019 Copa America, their 5th tournament in 6 years where they had been unable to end a trophy drought which stretched back to 1993. Messi may have dragged his nation to three major finals in as many years but falling short in all of them led him to announce a short-lived retirement. He was back playing for the Albiceleste shortly after but the 2018 World Cup in Russia looked like something akin to torture for him. Rarely if ever did he seem to exhibit the same joy and freedom in Argentina’s colours as when playing for Barcelona. 

That was until the 2021 Copa America in Brazil, when at his 10th major tournament, Argentina finally assembled the right supporting cast around Messi, and with it Leo dazzled scoring 4 and assisting 5 as he led Argentina to the final. In the final he wasn’t at his best, a result of an extremely physical semi-final against Colombia, but for this new Argentina they could find a way to win without relying solely on their talismanic captain. Di Maria scored the goal which won them the cup at the Maracanã against hosts Brazil and suddenly Argentina who had been so poor at the 2018 World Cup were now one of the top favourites for the next World Cup which would take place the following year in Qatar. 

Argentina only strengthened their credentials with a run of 36 games unbeaten going into the World Cup. This run took in their Copa America triumph and aswell included a 3-0 win over European Champions Italy and on the very eve of the tournament a 5-0 win over UAE. In that game Messi notched his 18th goal for Argentina in his last 22 appearances, it was with real belief he and his teammates would begin Group C. Assigned to a favourable looking group alongside Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland, it would be the Saudis first up for Argentina.

v.s Saudi Arabia 1:2- Group C

Saudi Arabia are regular World Cup qualifiers, Brazil in 2014 being the only finals they haven’t reached since first qualifying in 1994. They are not however regular World Cup winners, having won just one game since they reached the knockout stages for the one and only time at their first World Cup. They appear to be the perfect opponent for Argentina to lay down a statement of intent with an emphatic victory.

 It takes just 94 seconds for Messi to have his first shot on target, forcing Al Owais into an early save. A few minutes later and holding in the box as Saudi Arabia attempted to defend a corner drew the attention of VAR, who alerted the referee to have a look at a possible penalty. The referee decided it went beyond the acceptable level of grappling and pointed to the spot, giving Messi and Argentina the chance to make the perfect start. The chance was taken as Argentina’s number 10 calmly rolled the ball into the net for 1-0. 

Messi appeared to have his and Argentina’s second in the 22nd minute when a long ball over the top left him baring down on goal and he calmly slotted home. However the linesman’s flag was then immediately raised. Five minutes later there was an even tighter call after Lautaro Martinez had gone clear and lifted the ball over the onrushing Al Owais. This time it was VAR who intervened to rule it out, judging Lautaro’s shoulder to be offside. Remarkably 7 minutes later Argentina had the ball in the net for a fourth time, and for the third time it was disallowed for offside. This was the clearest offside of the lot, though Lautaro’s composed step-over and finish after Messi had put him through displayed Argentina’s supreme confidence and the control in which they exerted over the match. 

Despite Argentina’s dominance in the first half, they had just one goal to show for it. And the frailty of that lead was exposed just three minutes into the second half when Alshehri expertly shot through the legs of a sliding Christian Romero and from a tight angle the ball bobbled into the bottom corner past Emiliano Martinez. The goal had come from a simple ball straight down the middle after Messi had been dispossessed in midfield. Just 5 minutes later, things went from bad to worse for Argentina as Nicolas Otamendi’s failure to get distance on a clearance eventually led to the ball finding Aldawsari who made room for the shot by cutting inside and then let fly from just inside the area. Martinez got a hand to the ball, but the power beat him and suddenly Argentina were behind against Saudi Arabia. 

Argentina almost respond immediately when Messi is found in the box, but just as he is about to shoot a potentially goal-saving tackle flies in on him from Abdulhamid, who celebrates this tackle like a goal, and he isn’t the last Saudi player to do so. The Albiceleste come closer still when Lisandro Martinez’s close-range shot deflects off the knee of Tagliafico from even closer, but Al Owais’ reflexes are up to the task.  

Following these chances, you could see the panic start to set in for Argentina as the reality of what defeat here could mean began to dawn on them. They began to fall back into their old habits of relying on Messi to rescue them. Since the last World Cup, Argentina had ended their long wait for silverware and were on the verge of equalling Italy’s world-record of 37 matches unbeaten. However as the clock ran down on them here, they could have been mistaken for the Argentina of 4 years ago who had toiled against Iceland and Nigeria. 

For a period in the second half Saudi Arabia correctly identified that if they could stop Messi, they could stop Argentina as the nerves and pressure began to get to his teammates. With 10 minutes of normal time left, Messi won a free kick in a promising position for a strike at goal, but his shot sailed harmlessly over the bar. He was closer a few minutes later when he was found in the box by Di Maria, but the floated ball didn’t allow Messi to generate enough power on his header to seriously trouble the keeper. 

As they neared closer to a historic victory, the Saudi’s gave full commitment to every sprint and tackle, it was going to take something special to snatch victory from them. They time-wasted, they took yellow cards and did everything they could to see the game out. Due to the timewasting, there was in the end an extra 13 minutes of additional time played for them to defend for their lives. But it seemed not to matter if the board had showed 30 minutes, Saudi Arabia were not going to be denied 3 points on this day. 

Having turned the game completely on its head in 5 mad minutes, they refused to squander their new-found lead through any fault of their own. There would be no shortage of desire, nor intense concentration in order to maintain their advantage and in the end it was enough to ensure one of the World Cups big upsets. And we were left wondering whether Argentina were just cursed in World Cups, having reached the Semi-Finals just once since 1990. But after this result the immediate worry was now just to ensure they got out of the groups. 

v.s. Mexico 2:0- Group C

In the lead-up to what was now a do-or-die game against Mexico, Messi spoke to the media: “In five minutes of mistakes that we made, we went 2-1 down and then it was really tough, we lost organisation and started punting the ball. It's up to us to fix what we did wrong and get back to the basics of who we are. We're OK, obviously hurt by the result, very bitter. But people must trust that this team will not let them down and we are going to go for it in the next two games.” It was strong words from the skipper and Argentina were also aided by results going their way in the other group games. First Mexico and Poland played out a 0-0 draw with Robert Lewandowski missing a penalty, then Poland beat Saudi Arabia 2-0. These results helped ensure Argentina’s destiny remained in their own hands. 

However as the game began it was clear these results had done little to settle Argentina’s nerves, nor had the 5 changes Lionel Scaloni made to the starting 11, including 3 in the defence. Though you regularly see both Argentina and Mexico in the knockout stages of the World Cup, the first-half here was more befitting of a League 2 match. The match was scrappy and extremely low on quality, littered with fouls which forced the game into a stop, start nature. The first sight of goal for either team didn’t arrive until the 40th minute when Lautaro’s header cleared the crossbar after being found by Angel Di Maria. Mexico’s one moment came in the 45th minute when a Vega free-kick forced Martinez into action. 

The most concerning sight in the first half for Messi and Argentina fans had been where the number 10 constantly received the ball and the movement, rather the lack of it around him. Argentina’s forward movement was very static, the player in possession left short on options so even Messi with having difficulty in progressing his team up the pitch when receiving it around the half-way line, where nearly all of his touches were. The first half had been in many ways, even more troubling than the second half against Saudi.  

At half-time in the ITV studio, Gary Neville said: “Players aren’t fearful of Lionel Messi anymore. They are taking the ball off him easily.” Joe Cole bizarrely put Messi’s struggles in the first-half down to the fact that “It's tough to get out of bed and get your roadwork done at 5am when you're sleeping in silk pyjamas." Neville and fellow pundit Roy Keane then found time to criticise Di Maria, with Neville saying “He’s got no heart.” to which Keane responded: “He’d break your heart, I’m not sure he’s got one.” Based on these words, Argentina may aswell not have bothered coming out for the second half. 

They did, but nothing appeared to have changed from the first. 5 minutes into the half and Messi won a free-kick in a dangerous position. Due to the lack of clear-cut chances this presented as good a chance as any for him to find the target. But his effort never threatened to harm the Mexico goal, flying high over the bar. It just about summed the game up so far for him and Argentina. 

Messi disappeared from the game once more, Argentina now had less than half an hour to find a goal that was looking increasingly unlikely. They were on the verge of having just one point from their opening two games, when Messi picked the ball up in the same kind of unthreatening position he had all game. He played a simple pass forward then continued his move toward the penalty area. Mexico’s midfield all then turned their attention to the ball and ignored Messi’s positioning. Di Maria however noticed exactly where he was and found Messi in a pocket of space. With one touch he set it out his feet and with the second he arrowed the ball into the bottom corner. 

Afrer scoring the vital opener, Messi shouted to the players: "Come on, look at the scoreboard. Now that's in front of you, look at it. 88,000 spectators are looking at you and 45 million Argentines are behind us watching. We won't let them down today, guys. Defend it like savage hyenas. Focus and never miss a ball." De Paul who had been struggling in the game conceding the ball cheaply was told in no uncertain terms by Messi that if he lost another ball, he didn’t want to see his face after the match. The midfielder responded to this by playing a lot better for the remainder. 

Mexico never looked like possessing the quality to equalise but the 3 points weren’t secure until the 87th minute when Enzo Fernandez doubled Argentina’s lead. With a step-over he bought room for the shot, and he didn’t waste it by bending it in past Ochoa. Messi played the pass for the goal to become the first man to register an assist at 5 World Cups. With the full-time whistle Argentina could breathe a huge sigh of relief. They were off the mark at the 2022 World Cup, thanks in large part to their captain whose wonderful goal came at a time when he and Argentina were clinging on to their dreams of glory. 

“Well they haven’t got much, but they have got him!”- Sam Matterface as Lionel Messi opens the scoring against Mexico

“One more Messi moment and Argentina are alive!”- Peter Drury

v.s Poland 2:0- Group C

Going into the final matchday Argentina knew that a win over Poland would near certainly be enough to see them secure top spot in the group. This was due to them having a positive Goal Difference, and Saudi Arabia having a negative one. Poland though would be mathematically certain of topping the group if they beat Argentina. Finishing 1st was vitally important as 2nd place in the group would meet France. Having faced France at the same stage 4 years ago, Argentina would be keen to avoid a repeat, with memories of an 18-year old Kylian Mbappe sprinting through the middle of their defence still raw enough to know if you get the chance to avoid him, you should take it. 

However from the offset Poland had only the draw they needed for qualification in mind. They lacked the belief to try and obtain the win to ensure they topped the group and instead sat back, inviting Argentina (wearing their purple away jersey for the one and only time in the tournament) to dominate possession which they duly did. Unsurprisingly it was Messi who had the best chances of the first half. Running into the box he was faced with a tight angle, but the power generated in the shot forced Szczesny into a smart save down low at his near-post. 

A golden opportunity would arrive in the 36th minute when a cross from Julian Alvarez was missed by the Polish keeper and reached by Messi though his header ended high over the bar. However, Szczesny caught Messi in the face when attempting to reach the ball, and as it was Messi who made contact with the ball, the Polish number 1 was judged to have committed a foul after the referee watched the incident back on VAR. Though Szczesny was to redeem himself with an outstanding penalty save, guessing the right way and getting a strong hand to Messi’s kick. The penalty was struck with power, but Szczesny’s hand remained firm and palmed it to safety. 

It seemed like nothing could go straightforward for Messi and Argentina at the World Cup. Given the chance to turn all their pressure and domination into a goal from the spot, they’d been unable to convert it. Was it going to be another one of those awful days for them? Such fears were quickly dismissed as they broke the deadlock in the very first minute of the second half. Molina’s cross into the box was fired into the feet of Alexis Mac Allister who opted against needing a touch and instead just stroked it into the bottom corner, hitting the inside of the post on the way in. 

Despite now trailing, Poland were unwilling to alter their game plan and it was Argentina doing all the searching for the game’s second goal. Messi took the ball from well inside his own half and dribbled it all the way into the Poland box before scuffing the shot well wide. In the 67th minute the Albiceleste made sure of top spot, after Enzo Fernandez had threaded the ball into Julian Alvarez who took two exquisite touches to make room for a shot that flew into the back of the Polish net.    

With Mexico leading Saudi Arabia 2-0, Poland were currently only progressing through by virtue of having fewer yellow cards than the Mexicans. Rather than pushing for a goal themselves, they seemed to be relying on Argentina not getting another. This plan appeared flawed however, as Messi looked like he was starting to enjoy the World Cup stage, spraying passes with ease and dribbling past bodies at will. The pick of the passes came in the 74th minute when from the half-way line he instantly spotted the run of Alvarez, and weighted it perfectly into his path. Mercifully for Poland, he could only find the side-netting. The match finished as one of the most one-sided of the tournament with Argentina managing 12 shots on target to Poland’s 0. 

It would however, be Poland joining Argentina in the last 16, a 95th minute goal for Saudi Arabia confirming it beyond doubt. After the game Rio Ferdinand said: “he wasn’t even at his best today but the best 3 or 4 dribbles in the game was Messi, the best 3 or 4 passes in the game was Messi and the best player on the pitch was Messi.” Poland were poor opposition and therefore did not provide much of a test, but Argentina were growing in confidence. For the first time in the tournament they started the midfield three of Enzo Fernandez, De Paul and Mac Allister. Julian Alvarez also made his first start after Lautaro had struggled against Mexico, and he had not wasted his chance. This was a significant game for Argentina as from this point on those four players would start every game together.

They had lost the first game but still topped the group just like Spain did before going onto win it in 2010. There was also the curious statistic that Mario Kempes missed a penalty in Argentina’s third World Cup game in 1978 as did Maradona in game three of 1986. On those occasions, Argentina went on to lift the World Cup, with Messi missing on matchday three this time, would history repeat?

v.s Australia 2:1- Round of 16

Australia would be Argentina’s Round of 16 opponents, and also the opposition for Lionel Messi’s 1,000th official senior game. It would also be Messi’s 100th match as captain of Argentina, so the stage was set for something special and expectation was high. Australia like Argentina had lost their opening game and then won their next two. They had recovered impressively from a 4-1 loss to France by notching back-to-back 1-0 wins over Tunisia and Denmark. 

For 34 minutes, not a lot happened. Argentina controlled the ball but they struggled to find space in dangerous areas against a well-drilled Aussie side full of tall, strong players keen to impose their impressive physicality on the contest. It would be who else but the smallest player on the pitch to spring the game into life. Messi whipped in a free-kick from the right-hand side which was headed out by Souttar only as far as Papu Gomez who recycled the ball back to Messi for him to lay into Mac Allister before moving inside, Mac Allister’s pass found Otamendi who played it back to Messi now inside the penalty area. Messi took a touch then stroked it firmly into the net, through the legs of the stretching Australian defenders and past the outstretched glove of Matt Ryan. 1,000 games, 100 as Argentina captain and a very 1st goal in the knockout rounds of a World Cup. 

“He’s only gone and done it again! A Thousand games and still he excels! They’ll never be another like him! Enjoy him while he’s here.”- Peter Drury

Argentina doubled their advantage 12 minutes into the second half as the result of an excellent press from Rodrigo De Paul, who sprinted at the Australian defence forcing them to play it back to keeper Matt Ryan. De Paul didn’t stop there and chased all the way back to the keeper who tried to take the ball past him with his second touch and tempt him into a foul. This proved a costly error as De Paul didn’t take the bait and instead let him past, as Alvarez was also on the hunt for the ball and picked the keepers pocket, before simply rolling it into the empty net.

For the rest of the second half it was absolutely vintage Messi. Receiving the ball inside his own half, he turned away from one Australian midfielder, then dribbled through a gap of another three, leaving them trailing in his wake and looking statuesque, with seemingly none of them willing to be the one to draw the short straw and attempt to tackle him. Before they could make up their mind what to do, the 35-year old had left them in the dust. Advancing onto the defence, the ball ricocheted to Alvarez who played it back to Messi who beat one challenge in the penalty area before finally being stopped by a second defender who gratefully conceded the corner.  

There is a sting in the tail however when an only half-cleared cross lands at the feet of substitute Craig Goodwin, whose powerful but wayward first-time shot changes direction in the air after cannoning off Enzo Fernandez and leaves Emiliano Martinez flat-footed and rooted to the spot as the ball diverts into the back of his net. A few minutes later and Australia almost completed the comeback, their full-back Behich embarked on an incredible driving run which saw him beat 4 Argentine shirts before finally being denied by Lisandro Martinez just as he prepared to take his short, it was a vital intervention. 

Though right back in the game, Australia could do nothing to disrupt Lionel Messi’s rhythm. He wasn’t feeling the pressure, he was playing the match as though a testimonial. He controlled the tempo and pace of Argentina’s play, if he wanted to slow things down the Australians could not find a way to rush him, if he wanted to speed things up he would subtly switch the gears and drive Argentina forward. Which ever one he opted for, the ball was always safe in his possession, and thankfully for Argentina he was seeing plenty of it. There was a chance to make the game completely safe in the 89th minute when a run from Messi enabled him to occupy all 4 Australian defenders and drag them away from Lautaro Martinez who was left in acres of room, at the perfect time Messi rolled it across to him but now lacking confidence he got under the ball and lifted a horrible shot well away from goal. 

Moments later Messi found Martinez for a second time, this time the striker was able to hit the target but Ryan was equal to it. The number 10 is doing everything to put the game to bed, beating another 2 men he finds himself in the box, faced with 3 opposition players he is still able to get a good shot away, he looks for the top corner and the keeper is well beaten, but it’s a fraction too high. As the 7 minutes of injury time run down, it’s Argentina and Messi who are pushing for the game’s 4th goal. He finds Martinez for his third shot on goal, but his deflected shot is saved by Ryan and Messi is not ready when the save rebounds at his feet, dragging his shot wide. 

Then suddenly with 30 seconds left on the clock, Goodwin’s cross finds Kuol who is able to spin his marker, luckily for Argentina Emiliano Martinez was ready and immediately sprinted off his goalline, narrowing the angle and the shot was blocked by his left arm which took the sting from the shot and allowed him to collect the ball and collapse onto it in relief. He was joined on the floor by a couple of his teammates, no doubt thanking him for getting them out of trouble. 

It had been an interesting night for all 3 of Argentina’s Martinez’s, Emiliano and Lisandro had made fantastic blocks to deny equalisers, whereas it had been a bad night for Lautaro, wasting opportunities that would have made the win certain. But overall, the game was the story of Messi. In his 1,000th game, he had produced his greatest World Cup performance to date, a performance described by Rio Ferdinand as “the best individual performance we’ve seen at this World Cup so far, by a mile.”   

v.s Netherlands 2:2 (4-3 on penalties)- Quarter-Finals 

Argentina vs The Netherlands was to be the mouth-watering Quarter-Final clash. To the surprise of everyone, the winner would not go on to face tournament favourites Brazil as earlier that day they had been dumped out on penalties by plucky Croatia. Given the history of this fixture which had been the final of the 1978 edition, the semi-final when Messi reached his first World Cup final in 2014 and produced one of the most memorable Quarter-Finals ever the last time they met at this stage in 1998, it was a game that scarcely needed spicing up. But it seemingly got it anyway, with comments made by Dutch manager Louis Van Gaal that “you would see his plan to stop Lionel Messi on Friday night” taken to be disrespectful and arrogant by the Argentine side. 

Scaloni decided to match up with Netherlands’ 3-5-2 by playing the same formation, dropping a forward out for defender Lisandro Martinez. This decision was made easier by an injury to Angel Di Maria who was only fit enough for the bench.

After a tight opening which was just about shaded by Argentina, Messi was the orchestrator of the game’s first goal in the 35th minute, the exact same minute he’d scored the games opener in the previous match against Australia. This time he was to be the provider however, with a body swerve and a drop of the shoulder Messi found the angle he wanted to thread a through ball between the legs of Nathan Ake and into the path of Molina, the weight of the pass was too perfect for Daley Blind to intercept, he was taken out of the game and Molina was left with just the keeper to beat which he duly did.

With a couple of minutes left in the half we were given a sign of what was to come as Lahoz’s fussy style of refereeing began to lose control of the match. The Spanish ref flashed 4 yellow cards in moments to Argentina coach Walter Sammuel, aswell as Dutch substitute Wout Weghorst who was yet to enter the game. More significant was the yellow card shown to Acuna, which would rule him out of the semi-final. In the second half Messi went close with a free-kick which was just too high and found only the side-netting, before an even better dead-ball opportunity presented itself when Dumfries brought down Acuna in the box giving the referee little alternative but to point to the spot.  

Faced with the 6 foot 6 inch goalkeeper Noppert, Messi stroked the penalty home with Noppert choosing to stay down the middle. With his celebration, Messi paid tribute to Juan Roman Riquelme’s trademark goal celebration, Riquelme whom it was noted famously clashed with Van Gaal when the two were together at Barcelona. Also noted was the fact Messi did the celebration with his eyes firmly set on the Dutch bench. 

The Netherlands had barely threatened all game, so the two-goal cushion was thought to have killed the contest and put Argentina safely through to the final 4. However with time running out and nothing left to lose, Van Gaal decided to throw the kitchen sink at it by taking off his more technical forwards and bringing on less gifted players who would be more of a threat in the air where they could use their height advantage. This strategy quickly paid dividends as the Dutch pulled one back with 7 minutes of normal time remaining, Weghorst directing his header past Martinez.  

With a minute of normal time left, the bad tempered game which had been simmering along finally reached its boiling point when Parades clattered into Nathan Ake and then blasted the ball into the Dutch bench. Luckily it didn’t hit anyone, if it did he may not have escaped with just a yellow card. The melee that followed saw all of the Dutch substitutes storm onto the pitch in fury, though it was Van Dijk who got to Paredes first and bumped him to the ground, for which he avoided punishment. 

The referee had frustrated both teams with his fussiness, which saw him constantly blowing his whistle to signal free-kicks for every minor and sometimes non-existent infringement. This led to 11 minutes of stoppage time being awarded and it was in the final of those added minutes when the Dutch equalised. From a free-kick, Koopmeiners, instead of shooting, worked a routine straight off the training ground by instead passing it past the wall and through to Weghorst who managed to hold off his marker and fire it past Martinez. It was the substitutes second of the game and the assist came from a fellow substitute, it had proved a tactical masterclass from Van Gaal. 

The first half of extra-time passed without notable incident, both teams looking to catch their breath. Netherlands seemed relieved to just still be in the competition, Argentina concentrated on re-composing themselves and looking to regain control of a game that had momentarily got away from them. 

All the big second half chances went Argentina’s way, they continued to probe for a winner, coming closest in added time at the end of extra-time when Fernandez let fly from outside the box and beat the goalkeeper only to be denied by the post. Like their encounter 8 years previously, the two sides would be separated by a penalty shoot-out when the referee finally called time on a game which had included 48 fouls, with 30 from the Netherlands. 

As in their 2014 World Cup shootout, the Dutch were first up. Again it would be a centre-back, then it was Ron Vlaar, now Van Dijk. Different names but the outcome remained the same, the player missed. Although more accurately, Martinez saved by diving correctly to his right and getting both hands to the ball. Next Messi faced Noppert from the spot for a second time, and the result was the same. He waited for the keeper to commit to his dive then just rolled it the other side. 

Berghuis then stepped up for the Netherlands, and he was also denied by Martinez who again guessed right, this time going left and making another outstanding penalty save. Noppert then guessed right for Parades’ kick but still couldn’t get anywhere near it due to perfect placement. Martinez stays in the middle for Netherlands third penalty and Koopmeiners blasts it into the far corner. Next up goes Montiel and he makes it 3 from 3 for Argentina sending the keeper the wrong way. 

Weghorst keeps the Dutch alive in the shootout but if Fernandez scores its all over. As he makes his way towards the spot, Dumfries is booked for gamesmanship as he goes with Fernandez, attempting to break his concentration. It seems to work as the midfielder fired wide, keeping alive slim Dutch hopes. De Jong then levels the shootout but Argentina have one kick remaining. It’s Lautaro Martinez who steps up, who had been enduring a difficult World Cup. Noppert hands him the ball and begins talking to him, begins the mind games. Martinez appears completely unruffled and he demonstrates this by sending the keeper the wrong way and his team through to the semi-finals. 

The drama still wasn’t over as quickly Argentina’s joyful celebrations were replaced with players and coaches from opposing sides coming face-to-face once more in angry confrontations. Messi became embroiled in a heating conversation with both Louis Van Gaal and assistant coach Edgar Davids. Messi’s hand gesture making plain what his issue with them was, the talking the Dutch camp had done in the build-up to the match. 

As Messi then gave a post-match interview to Argentine broadcasters he was distracted by Weghorst who was stood close by looking at him and apparently waiting for him. With the microphone still in front of his face, Messi snapped at Weghorst: “Qué mirás, bobo? Qué mirás, bobo? Andá para allá.” which translates roughly to “What are you looking at you fool? Go away.” When giving an interview to FIFA, Messi again didn’t hold back saying “It’s very frustrating. We were scared before the game because we knew what this was. I think FIFA must think about it, they cannot put a referee like that for these important games, for such a pivotal game — a referee who isn’t up to the task.” The Argentine public loved seeing this side of Messi, usually so shy and reserved. He seemed to be channelling his inner Diego Maradona as he angrily went at the Dutch coaches, Weghorst and the referee. This side of him showed just how much this World Cup meant to him and his desperation to win.

v.s Croatia 3:0- Semi-Finals

4 years prior when Argentina met Croatia in the World Cup group stages, during the national anthem, Messi had anxiously rubbed his forehead, looking like the loneliest man in the world, carrying a load too heavy for his weary shoulders, they went on to lose the game 3-0. Now as he prepared to face Croatia in the World Cup semi-finals, as the national anthem played, he stood with his chest puffed out singing from the top of his lungs. Just as much as the match to follow, this emphasised the transformation that had taken place within Messi and in the national side he represents. 

For the Semi-Final, Scaloni made another tactical adjustment. Seeing how strong Croatia were in possession and how their centre midfielders could dictate a game, Scaloni started four centre-midfielders against the Croatian three of Kovacic, Brozovic and Modric. Particular importance would be put on limiting the latter’s time on the ball, such was his role in the Croatian side. Despite this Croatia were still able to shade the opening half an hour, showcasing their impressive ability to keep the ball. The game changed in the 31st minute when a scooped through ball from Fernandez put Alvarez in on goal, his contact on the ball was not enough to find the net however goalkeeper Livakovic had taken him out and the referee pointed to the spot.  

Croatia had reached the semis by virtue of winning 2 shootouts, Livakovic had thus far faced 8 penalties, and had only been beaten by 3. However he was given no chance by Messi, his emphatic penalty was absolutely unsavable blasted right into the top corner. This goal made Messi Argentina’s all-time top goal scorer at World Cups, his 11th moving him ahead of Gabriel Batistuta. 

Argentina who had struggled to get into the game now had all the confidence and momentum. 5 minutes after Messi had given them the lead they doubled it. Messi was able to launch a counter attack by just about getting his foot to the ball after Argentina had cleared it from their area and this touch allowed them to spring an attack with Julian Alvarez driving forward with the ball at his feet. He met little resistance until reaching the box when the attempt to tackle him only ricocheted back to him, another failed Croatian clearance allowed the ball to set up nicely for him to strike after bouncing off his chest. The Croatian defenders had not covered themselves in glory but Alvarez had brilliantly profited with his perseverance.

Just shy of the hour mark, Messi gave us a little pre-cursor of what was to come when he received the ball around 40 yards from goal and dribbled to the edge of the box, all the while escaping the attentions of Josko Gvrdiol by holding him off and then playing a one-two with Fernandez to get into the box. Once there he made room for the shot but saw it saved by Livakovic from a narrow angle. 

A little over 10 minutes later and Messi was beating Gvrdiol again, only this time in even more astonishing fashion. Leo takes possession after a throw-in is touched into his path off the thigh of Alvarez, Messi is tight to the touchline but with two touches is away from Gvrdiol and driving into open space in the direction of the penalty area. Messi then slows down allowing the defender to catch up, accelerates again before checking back, all the while always keeping his body between Gvrdiol and the ball. He fakes to turn back inside with a body-swerve which sells the defender and Messi then sets off in the opposite direction towards the byline, he gets there and plays a pass into the unmarked Alvarez for a simple tap-in. 

The 20-year old Gvrdiol had been one of the standout performers of the tournament, but the man 15 years his senior had toyed with him. Messi had taken the ball in a harmless position, just inside the Croatian half and next to the touchline and had laid on a certain goal using just 15 touches of the ball. It was a masterclass in making every single touch count and placing the ball exactly where you needed it to set up your next move, no touch was wasted or less than perfect. 

It made certain Argentina’s progression into Sunday’s final and they saw out the remaining 20-plus minutes in comfort. They allowed Croatia plenty of possession but they could not land a meaningful glove on Argentina, whose attack of Messi and Alvarez had delivered a devastating one-two combination to knock them out. In the end it had been as straightforward as you could ever hope a World Cup Semi-Final to be and Messi was going to get one more chance to lift the trophy he had always dreamed about. 

v.s France 3:3 (4:2 on penalties)- Final

The final was almost certainly going to be less straightforward. Argentina would be facing France after they had defeated Africa’s first ever World Cup Semi-Finalists in Morocco. France would be looking to become the first side to retain the World Cup since Brazil exactly 60 years before and just like Argentina were looking to lift the trophy for a third time. Aswell as the World Cup, the smaller matter of the Golden Boot would be decided with Messi and Mbappe currently tied for 1st with 5 each, and their team’s strikers Alvarez and Giroud also tied on 4. Messi and Mbappe had been the two best players of the World Cup and the question was would Messi show the young pretender to his crown that he was not yet ready to exit his throne, or would Mbappe signal the start of a new era, his era.

Scaloni brought Di Maria back into the starting line-up which raised some eyebrows given the winger had not started since the group stages and had only featured in one knockout game. This decision quickly proved to be an inspired one as Di Maria and co started the game very much on the front foot, playing with an intensity and hunger France simply could not match. They constantly hounded France out of possession, swarming them, first to every ball. 

However they could not transmit their superiority onto the scoreboard in the opening 20 minutes, but the chance came in the 21st minute when trickery from Di Maria took him past Dembele and into the box, whilst assessing his options he felt the slightest of touches from behind and hit the floor. There seemed to be relatively little in it, but the referee felt he’d seen enough contact to award the penalty and VAR did not flag it as a clear or obvious error. It was soft and contentious, but the little flick of Dembele’s foot into the back of Di Maria was judged to be enough. Up stepped Lionel Messi for the most important kick of a football in his entire career. He coolly sent Lloris in the wrong direction and gave his nation the start they desperately wanted. 

The goal did little to wake France from there stupor, instead it was Argentina who played all the football, and their finest bit of football came 13 minutes after taking the lead when Mac Allister flicked the ball into Messi’s path. Just inside his own half with two touches he knocked it around the corner into Alvarez who played it first time for Mac Allister who had continued his run forward, the midfielder knew he had Di Maria for company and picked out an inch perfect pass for the winger to strike first time past Lloris. The counter-attack was the best team goal of the whole tournament, and one of the more memorable World Cup final goals with quick, incisive passing and movement that brutally exposed the disorganisation in the French team with defenders way out of position. 

The 2-0 lead was richly deserved and forced Deschamps into making 2 substitutions before half-time had even been reached, sacrificing Giroud and Dembele. The second half continued in the same vein, Argentina making all the chances, simply battering France and comfortably outplaying them. Things began to subtly shift when Di Maria who had been the man of the match up to that point, a constant thorn in the French side was taken off for full-back Acuna. This seemed to signify to Argentina’s players that they should start to be contented with the lead they already had and begin slowing the game down and trying to see it out. Rather than hungrily going for the third as they had in the opening 18 minutes of the half with Di Maria on the pitch, they now looked to just pass the ball around. This subtle change of tact appeared unlikely to be taken advantage of by France, emphasised by Varane who under no pressure passed the ball straight into touch, nowhere near any teammate. It was a pass that just about epitomised the French performance. 

Their way back into the game appeared out of the blue. A heavy touch forward from Mbappe seemed to allow Otamendi time to clear his lines but he paused for too long and substitute Kolo Muani stole in to get goal-side of him. Otamendi panicked and brought him down once the forward had already strode into the box and from nowhere France had been gifted the chance to half their deficit. Kylian Mbappe gratefully took that chance, despite Martinez guessing the right way the power was too much. 

This gave France 10 more minutes of normal time to force an equaliser, in actuality they needed just 1. Messi was caught in possession by substitute Coman who then picked out Rabiot. His flighted ball to Mbappe was headed to Thuram who returned it instantly for the forward to strike on the volley, and strike it he did, hard and low past Martinez. After being outplayed for 79 minutes, in 2 minutes France had wiped away Argentina’s 2-goal cushion and made it all square. 

From that point, it was Argentina hanging in and France the ones searching for the winner, until the 7th added minute of a scheduled 8 when Messi let fly from outside the box with what may have gone down as the most iconic goal in football history, but Lloris was able to palm it up and over the bar. Messi was going to have to go at least another 30 minutes to secure a World Cup title.

The first big chance of extra-time came in the 15th minute and it went Argentina’s way, when Messi found substitute Lautaro Martinez in the box after interchanging with Mac Allister in a brilliant one-two. Martinez wanted time to take a first touch, but he didn’t have it and after taking the touch his shot was charged down. That wasn’t even to be his last chance of the half, Acuna put him through on goal but under the joint pressure of being closed down by Upamecano and Lloris he shot wide of the target. 

3 minutes into the second half of extra-time and a ball from Montiel was controlled into Messi’s path by Lautaro Martinez, the number 10 found Fernandez with one touch who with a single touch of his own gave it back to Lautaro who touched and shot, Lloris got one big, strong hand on it but the ball fell at the feet of Messi mere yards from the goal line, he bundled it over the line and chaos ensued. Argentina’s substitutes swarmed across the pitch to celebrate with Messi and co. right on the other touchline. But with the referee giving the goal, the linesman’s flag shot up for offside seconds after the ball was in. Messi celebrated with jubilant teammates, but concern was still visible on his face, is it definitely a goal? VAR put an end to his uncertainty by confirming Lautaro was onside and the goal stood, and then and only then did Messi fully give way to full delight.

His and Argentina’s joy would still be cut short however when Mbappe’s shot from just outside the box was charged down by the arm of Montiel, very much inside it. The referee pointed to the spot for a third time in the game, and mere minutes away from victory Argentina threatened to be denied again. Mbappe kept his considerable cool and sent Martinez the wrong way, he and France were level once more as the Frenchman became the first man to score a World Cup final hattrick since Geoff Hurst in 1966.

In the 120th minute, a near inch-perfect cross from Mbappe had Kolo Muani straining his neck muscles, given the pace on the ball any contact on it may have been enough to leave Martinez with no chance but he was just short of reaching the ball with his attempted header and Argentina could breathe a big sigh of relief. Not for long. With less than 20 seconds left of the final 3 minutes added on to the end of Extra-Time, a forward ball from Konate was missed by Otamendi as he failed to make any connection with his attempted slide clearance, this miss put Kolo Muani through clear of the defence with just the keeper to beat, the ball set up perfectly to smash on the half-volley and the strike was a good one, but Martinez pulled out perhaps the save of the tournament right when he and his nation needed it most. 

In one of the most exciting minutes in World Cup history, Argentina went right back up the other end and attempted to steal the game for themselves. The head of Lautaro Martinez was picked out from a cross, he had a free header but got it all wrong. Right in front of goal he only needed to hit the target, but he mis-directed his attempt and got it horribly wrong sending it way wide. And that was that, the final chance of an enthralling game. And for just the third time the destination of the World Cup trophy would be decided by a penalty shoot-out. 

France were to go first and Mbappe stepped up for his 3rd penalty in little more than an hour. Remarkably, for a third time he was able to beat Martinez, for the second time Martinez guessed right but the power and placement was too good. After France’s talisman number 10 came Argentina’s to take his second penalty of the night. Messi passed the ball into the net, with the kind of ease that felt out of place in a World Cup final penalty shootout. It shouldn’t be that simple. Coman took France’s second penalty, his kick was missed by the gloves of Martinez, but the ball went between his gloves and firmly into his chest. He had guessed right and kept it out with a tremendous save. Dybala had been brought on for the sole purpose of taking a penalty, and that proved a good decision from Scaloni as his firmly struck penalty went straight down the middle in the space the diving Lloris had vacated. 

Tchouameni took and subsequently missed France’s third penalty, shooting wide of the post. Martinez celebratory shimmy demonstrated the confidence Argentina now felt, they were close. Parades took them yet closer when he made it 3-1. Kolo Muani had to score to keep France in it and he did, blasting it home. This meant the chance fell to Gonzalo Montiel. The substitute could have been the villain of the piece after his handball with minutes of injury time to play saw Argentina lose their lead for a second time. Now he had the chance to be the hero. He sent Lloris the wrong way and Lionel Messi and Argentina were Champions of the World.

Argentina Campeones Del Mundo

Argentina were finally ‘Campeones del Mundo’ for the first time in 36 long years and Messi had equalled the achievements of Mario Kempes and Diego Maradona. Like Kempes he scored two in the final, and like Maradona he had captained his side to glory. Mbappe’s hattrick may have meant that Leo missed out on the Golden Boot, but he did win the Golden Ball for the tournament’s best player, in doing so becoming the first player to win the award twice. 

In 4 glorious weeks Messi had answered any criticisms that could ever be levelled at him. He struggled at World Cup’s under the intense pressure and scrutiny they said, referencing him only having 6 World Cup goals in his first 4 tournaments, and being without a goal in the knockout stage. After this World Cup he had 13, more than the great Pele and the joint 4th most in history. He had become the first player ever to score in all 4 knockout stage rounds at the same World Cup, netting 5 times in 4 games. They said he wasn’t a great leader and captain, now he had led his nation to the greatest prize on earth. Even the claim that he wasn’t a great penalty taker was answered, in 3 matches he scored 5 penalties including the shoot-outs, with the highest pressure and on the grandest stage imaginable, he kept his cool 5 times with unflappable penalty kicks.   

Though this wasn’t just the triumph of one man, this was the triumph of a whole team. Scaloni had been the best manager of the World Cup, his tactical tweaks against Netherlands, Croatia and France had all worked brilliantly. Bringing Di Maria back into the side when he had rather struggled in the group stage and the team had played better in the knockout rounds without him was a big call, but this allowed Argentina to stretch the pitch wide and gave Messi more room to operate in the middle, France couldn’t crowd him as they now had another dribbling creator on the flanks. 

Argentina hadn’t started the World Cup with a team good enough to win it, but Scaloni found it. An injury on the eve of the tournament to the important Lo Celso left him trying to find the best way to plug that gap. 19 different players started for Argentina at the finals, and only three outfield players in Otamendi, De Paul and Messi started every game. The turning point came in game three against Poland when the midfield of Fernandez, Mac Allister and De Paul proved Argentina’s most effective combination to date and they got better and better as the tournament progressed, peaking in the final where all three were absolutely outstanding. Also in that Poland game came the decision to drop the mis-firing Lautaro for the young, hungry Julian Alvarez who performed exemplary adding 4 goals to Argentina’s tally.  

Not to be forgotten for their role in Argentina’s success were the fans who covered each stadium with a sea of blue and white jerseys and were the wonderful soundtrack to Albiceleste glory. Less demand for tickets at this Qatar World Cup saw more tickets than usual land in the hands of regular supporters, the real hardcore and this was one of the best things about a controversial World Cup which came with many downsides. Also not to be forgotten were the heroics of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, he provided the platform in the shootouts for Argentina to go and get the victories with his psychological warfare against opposition takers forcing 4 misses. Argentina scored 7 of the 8 shootout penalties they took, emphasising how every player including the sparingly used Dybala played their part in achieving the ultimate glory.

Rating the 16 Argentina players who started at least 2 games: 

Emiliano Martinez- 10

Made vital late saves against Australia and France, the latter being maybe the most iconic ever World Cup final save. Was the difference maker in Argentina’s two shoot-outs, dominating them with early saves to give his team the momentum.

Nicolas Molina- 7

Started all but the Mexico game and performed solidly, Argentina were rarely troubled down the flanks. Going forward he took his goal against Netherlands with great composure.  

Christian Romero- 8

Like Molina, Romero started every match bar Mexico and for the majority of the tournament he looked extremely solid. 

Nicolas Otamendi- 6

Performed well at times, and did momentarily silenced his critics and doubters. However, it always felt like he had a mistake in him, and if a costly error was going to come from the Argentina defence, he always seemed most likely to be the culprit. This was proven when he foolishly conceded a penalty in the final which made lifting the trophy much harder work for his team.

Lisandro Martinez- 8

Started against Mexico and was then brought back in for the Quarter-Final against Netherlands. Hardly put a foot wrong and made a crucial intervention off the bench against Australia to keep his side in front. A surprise he wasn’t given more minutes as when he did play he looked more solid than the calamity-prone Otamendi.

Marcos Acuña- 7

Like Molina wasn’t troubled often defensively and got into good attacking positions regularly. His end product could be somewhat disappointing, but he always proved a useful foil. 

Nicolás Tagliafico- 7

Started the opening game and was broke back into the side for the semi-final when filling in for the suspended Acuna, he did a solid job and kept his place for the final. 

Rodrigo De Paul- 9

Struggled against Saudi Arabia and especially in the first half vs Mexico, but Scaloni kept faith in him and De Paul rewarded that faith, he got better and better as the tournament progressed. His tireless running was essential to the success of Argentina’s campaign.

Enzo Fernandez- 9

Wasn’t chosen to start until the final group game. However once in the team, Enzo made the position his. He was involved in most things good in Argentina’s play, always neat and tidy but never overly cautious in possession. Deserved winner of the tournament’s best young player award. 

Alexis Mac Allister- 9

Going into the tournament we knew the Brighton midfielder was good, I’m not sure we knew he was this good. Scored the vital goal against Poland to break the deadlock, but his finest moment came in the final where he was one of the best players on the pitch, France just could not get to grips with him.

Leandro Paredes- 7

He started the opening defeat to Saudi Arabia and didn’t start again until the semi-finals against Croatia, where he came in and did a solid job. Converted both his shoot-out penalties including one in the final shootout to give Argentina a commanding 3-1 lead.

Angel Di Maria- 8

Wasn’t at his best in the group stages, however he more than made up for it with his final performance. He deserved his goal which gave Argentina a 2-0 lead, he terrorised Kounde and had the beating of him time and time again.

Papu Gomez- 5

Started the opener against Saudi Arabia and was brought back in for the round of 16 game against Australia. However he was largely anonymous in both games. 

Lionel Messi- 10

Scored one of the best and most important goals when his country needed him most as they toiled vs Mexico. He and his teammates never looked back from there. He was sensational against Australia and inspirational in the final against France. Between that he produced the two best assists of the tournament against Netherlands and Croatia. 7 goals, 3 assists, 5 converted penalties in a row, the 35-year old really could not have done much more.

Julian Alvarez- 9

Got his chance to start against Poland and was never in danger of losing his starting place. His energy, intelligence and lethal finishing were key components in the success of his nation. He led Argentina’s attack at the World Cup in ways much more experienced forwards such as Higuain, Aguero and Lautaro Martinez had been unable to do.

Lautaro Martinez- 5

His bad luck began when he had two goals ruled out for offside in the opener with Saudi Arabia. How different his tournament may have gone if one of them had counted as he finished both brilliantly. After that though, he couldn’t get into the game vs Mexico and lost his place to Alvarez. His one great moment came when he converted the winning penalty in the shoot-out v Netherlands. However he was very wasteful against Australia and again in the final, missing 3 good chances which could have proven costly. 

The Greatest of All Time

With 7 goals and 3 assists, Messi had matched the exact number of goal contributions Pele and Maradona had when they were victorious in 1970 and 1986 respectively. This brought Messi’s total to 21 goal contributions at the World Cup, which is the most of any player since the record books began counting assists in 1966. It took Messi’s goal tally in major international tournaments to 26, which is more than any other player in South American football history, and his 7 here helped win him his second major trophy with Argentina after the Copa America the previous year. 

Messi had long since surpassed Pele and Maradona at club level with an unquestionable collection of goals and honours, both team and individual. His lack of international success was always levelled at him when debating his position among the all-time greats, but now having peaked at international level in his mid-30′s, scoring more in tournaments than he ever has before, Messi has put that argument to bed. Never before had so many people around the world wanted one man to lift one trophy, Messi’s immense contribution to football had many feeling he deserved to win its showpiece event after a magnificent career spanning 17 years. People got their wish and at the 5th time of asking, Lionel Messi achieved a life-long dream formed in boyhood, he had lifted the World Cup for his beloved Argentina.

“Unparalleled. There will of course always be those who argue, always be those who debate. And the debate can rage on, if you like. But as he falls in love with the object in the world that his heart most desired, it is hard to escape the supposition that he has rendered himself today, The Greatest of All Time.”- Peter Drury