Brazil-Argentina video games all the time throw up questions however one stands out forward of this Saturday’s Copa America remaining in Rio de Janeiro: Can Lionel Messi lastly win an international title? The Barcelona participant has gained each honour attainable at membership and particular person stage and is extensively thought-about to be the best participant of the twenty first century and a robust candidate, together with Pele and Diego Maradona, as the best of all time.
But he has by no means lifted any silverware with Argentina and the query for the 34-year-old is: If not now, when? “Messi has two chances left,” mentioned Tostao, a World Cup winner with Brazil in 1970. “He has the Copa and the World Cup (in 2022) but the World Cup is difficult.”
There isn’t any clear favorite for Saturday’s recreation on the Maracana stadium, though Brazil have a barely higher report during the last 4 weeks they usually maintain dwelling benefit. Messi, although, is in scintillating type and leads the event in targets and assists. Of Argentina’s 11 targets, Messi has scored 4 and offered 5 assists.
“We are seeing an improved version of Messi,” Antonio Mohamed, former Argentina participant and now coach of Monterrey, wrote in Ole, an Argentine sports activities newspaper.
“Every time he touched the ball, three guys would be on top of him in the style of Maradona at his greatest.”
Messi’s dream
Messi has spoken at size concerning the dream of profitable a title with Argentina and his compatriots understand how a lot an international trophy means to him. In the previous, his staff mates had been blamed for letting him down, by lacking possibilities in finals or failing to match his superhuman ranges of brilliance or focus.
Now, although, he has Argentina’s greatest staff in years round him and there are fewer excuses.
They are not the Argentina of 1978 or 1986 however underneath coach Lionel Scaloni the aspect are unbeaten in 19 video games courting again to the final Copa America in 2019.
The older heads, like Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria, are conscious that profitable the World Cup is an unlikely situation and Saturday’s remaining might be their final hurrah. The skilled gamers, and the children who’ve grown up idolising the person who would turn out to be their staff mate, know they’re enjoying not only for Argentina but additionally for Messi and the possibility to reward him with the title his performances deserve.
“We are all excited that Argentina can get the title, and that above all it is given to Leo,” mentioned Mohamed.
