Football fans of Argentina are now looking at Lionel Messi ahead of World Cup Football 2010. There is every possibility Argentina could bring back their 1986 World Cup glory in South Africa this year, if Messi can continue his Barcelona form with Argentina.
Lionel Messi is currently world’s best footballer, and most probably he would retain his status this year too following another highly successful season with Barcelona where he became the highest scorer of La Liga with 34 goals.
However, the 22-year-old could rarely convert his club form into international stage. He has only 13 goals from 44 caps with Argentina, compared to his 88 La Liga goals from 144 matches with Barcelona. Expectations around Messi are very high and it would be a big test for the striker who won the Youth World Cup 2005 and 2008 Olympic gold medal with Argentina.
Lionel Messi usually plays the deeper role in Barcelona’s attack, just ahead of playmaker Xavi, and thus, roaming around freely in the box. He links up the midfield with the striker up front, and scores many goals overlapping from the edge of the box.
However, the problem in Argentina squad is that it lacks quality play maker who can supply flurry of passes and crosses from the midfield. There are questions regarding Veron’s ability to play the creative role in the midfield at this age. There are many who believe that Riquelme would have been the best fit in this position.
The good news for Messi is that there are a number of talented strikers around in the Argentina squad. The likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Tevez, Milito and Sergio Agüero can help Messi in attack by creative space for the Barcelona star.
Lionel Messi knows that World Cup 2010 is the stage where he can show that he is not a club player. He has earned many accolades and titles playing for Barcelona. Now, this is the time Messi would love to deliver for his country, and thus, ending their title drought in World Cup. Argentina last won a World Cup under the leadership of current coach Diego Maradona in 1986.
true......this is the year messi proves to the world he is the best!
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