Messi felt sick when the dream of the World Cup turned into a nightmare
Lionel Messi down the tunnel at Nizhny Novgorod with his head bowed, knowing Argentina faces a humiliation out of the group phase at the World Cup in Russia.
The Barcelona star was silenced by a Croatian team that were far superior in a brutal 3-0 defeat that made South America need a series of unlikely results to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage of life.
The World Cup is likely to lose the man who – along with Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal – has dominated and defined football for a decade.
Messi is only a few days shorter than his 31st birthday. We may be watching it on the biggest stage of football for the last time – a talent that is strangely unfulfilled on an international level despite its stunning achievements for his club.
Argentina lost the 2014 World Cup final 1-0 to Germany after extra time, before suffering a streaking defeat by Chile on penalties in the Copa America final 2015 and 2016.
Messi hinted before the start of this World Cup that he could get out of international football after the tournament, having retired in 2016 before quickly reversing his decision.
Having failed to execute a penalty in a 1-1 draw with Iceland in Argentina’s first game in Russia, there is little doubt that Messi is trying to fight Croatia.
But he looked tense even before the kick-off, his body language betraying a man who felt heavy of hope as he nervously wiped his forehead amid deep contemplation during the anthem.
The initial early run in seconds from the start suggests that it may be night, but it did not happen.
Messi is barely noticeable as he is limited to just 20 touches in the first half of an alarming start.
Only Sergio Aguero’s (seven) strike partner is less involved, even goalkeeper Willy Caballero more often sees the ball.
Hattrik to bring Argentina to the World Cup has been tapering in the gaping cracks, saving their campaign in the end, but his fault is clearly visible on Thursday.
Howler from Caballero gave Croatia the advantage. Messi went close when the sliding blocks of Barcelona team-mate Ivan Rakitic denied him from close range but he was powerless to prevent Argentina’s death.
He despairedly threw himself right in front of the defense to collect the ball but was repeatedly greeted by the wall of a Croatian T-shirt.
Two late goals pushed the dagger into the heart of Argentina and Messi’s flickering hopes, making the world’s players five times this year seem destined to never win the greatest prize of football.
It’s all in stark contrast to the heroic eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who already has four goals in the World Cup and looks as a victory for the sixth world player of the year award.
“The reality of the Argentina squad radiates the brilliance of Leo, he is limited because the team does not gel with him as it should be,” was the verdict of coach Jorge Sampaoli.
The dream continued for Ronaldo, also in the fourth World Cup final and possibly, although Sampaoli reluctantly pulled in comparison between his eternal rivals.
“I think Cristiano is a great player, you can see everything he has accomplished for his club and his country,” he said. “Right now we do not have to compare these two players.”
courtasy : thejakartapost.com
photo : Indosport
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