Messi scores in Argentina’s confident win over Venezuela
On the penultimate day of qualifying in South America for the World Cup in Qatar, Argentina defeated Venezuela 3-0. Argentina had previously qualified for the World Cup in Qatar.
26.03.2022
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Against Venezuela, Messi and his Argentinian team-mates underscored just how much fun football is for them. But soon new faces have to step into the breach at the two-time world champion.
On the penultimate day of South America’s World Cup qualifiers later this year, Argentina beat bottom-placed Venezuela 3-0. Lionel Scaloni’s team had previously bought the World Cup ticket. Nicolás González, Ángel Di María and Lionel Messi scored for the Albiceleste at the legendary La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires.
The fact that the captain was able to put himself on the top scorer list is not a matter of course. The once cold-blooded playmaker has lost much of his goalscoring ability since his transfer to PSG last summer. In the Champions League, Messi was still on target with five goals in seven games, but the two championship goals in 18 games are a big Tolggen in the net booklet.
The Parisian fans had certainly hoped for a completely different performance and catapulted Messi (and Neymar) to their heels after the embarrassing Champions League knockout against Real Madrid. A sacrilege that is probably unique in the incomparable career of what is considered by many to be the best footballer of all time.
The picture has turned
In the national jersey, however, Messi revived memories of earlier times on Friday evening. The seven-time world footballer exuded the desire to play like in his best days. Only against an inferior opponent, of course, but other teams would have suffered against this cheerful Messi.
Since Messi led his country to their first Copa America triumph in 28 years last July, a great burden seems to have lifted from his shoulders. At the age of 34, Messi, of all people, won his first major title with the national team (with the exception of Olympic gold in 2008) after many disappointments (three times second at the Copa America and final defeat at the 2014 World Cup).
“I believe that God saved this success for me – in a final against the Brazilians in their country,” said the tearful Messi after the triumph. The last gap in his palmarès was closed, the – together with Cristiano Ronaldo – absolute superfigure of his generation had finally freed himself from the pressure.
At Barcelona he racked up titles at club level (four Champions League and ten league titles), but how bewitched it just never worked out with Argentina. Now the picture has turned: While Messi seems almost like a foreign body at PSG, he can be seen in the international matches of old form. The number 10, who once gave his (temporary) resignation out of frustration at the numerous backlashes and criticism – mainly from home – enjoys every second. As if it were a farewell tour. Because the end is inevitably near.
Di Maria resigns – and Messi probably after the World Cup
For his long-time companion – recently also in the club – Angel Di Maria it was already the dernière. on Instagram the 34-year-old announced his immediate resignation. It is unclear whether he will also end his career at club level. His contract in Paris will not be extended.
Unlike the winger, Messi was undecided and said he was fully focused on the final game against Ecuador. At the same time, he hinted at what might be the last chapter: “After the World Cup, I have to rethink a lot of things.”
Angel Di Maria (right) has already said goodbye, Lionel Messi will follow him soon.
Image: Getty
With Sergio Agüero, another close friend is no longer there. Gonzalo Higuain or Carlos Tevez, who also played alongside Messi for a long time in attack, are other compatriots who retired earlier. In Qatar, Argentina will not be among the top favorites despite their good qualifications – several players are simply too far from world-class level for that. But the attacking quality is still there, especially when Messi turns up the heat like he has in the past few months.
Changing of the guard in the storm – does Dybala benefit?
No matter how the tournament in Qatar goes: realistically one can assume that at the end of 2022 an era will end for Argentina in which Messi outshined everything for well over a decade. In his shadow, it wasn’t easy for his teammates to shine. After the break there is more space – especially for younger players.
Up front, hopes are pinned on 24-year-old Lautaro Martinez, who has already shown his class at Inter. With Julián Alvarez (22), who is moving to Man City for the new season, an interesting player is lurking behind his chance. Ángel Correa (Atlético/27), Nico González (Florence/23) and Lucas Ocampos (Seville/27) are also candidates who should get even more of a chance. However, the three have not yet shown a pronounced goal instinct.
Lautaro Martinez should provide the goals in the center of the attack.
Image: Keystone
Of course, there is also the possibility that talents like Exequiel Zeballos (Boca Juniors/19), Alejandro Garnacho (Man Utd Reserve/18) or Luka Romero (Lazio/17) will blossom.
In terms of play, Paulo Dybala has the greatest potential to fill the position that will soon be vacant. The 28-year-old has had the misfortune to become a victim of Messi’s dominance as a classic director and has only 32 caps (2 goals).
With good performances at his new employer – Barcelona, Atlético, PSG and Inter are said to be under discussion – La Joya wants to go back to the early days at Juve and then finally fulfill the promises that were once so highly traded at home in the national team. Dybala can ask Messi how great that feels.
