Beijing, 5 Nov (Xinhua) -- It has been 36 years since Argentina won the last World Cup. Messi, also 35 years old this year.
Argentina's Lionel Messi (center) in a friendly against Jamaica on September 27, 2022. Xinhua/AFP
In the last four World Cups, Argentina was eliminated by Germany in 2006 and 2010 and missed the semifinals. In the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil, Goetze's goal in extra time shattered Messi's near-term title dream. In Russia 2018, Argentina lost to France and stopped in the round of 16 early.
Argentina's player Lionel Lionel Messi walks in front of the Hercules Cup before the World Cup medal ceremony in Brazil on July 13, 2014. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Lu Xiaowei
After leading the team to defeat home side to be crowned America's Cup last year, Messi's shining glory book is only one Hercules Cup. Wanting to replicate the glorious story of Kempes in 1978 and Maradona in 1986, this World Cup in Qatar is likely to be Messi's last chance and best chance.
Argentina is currently ranked third in the world, except for Messi, there are no absolute big stars, and no one in the team has been selected for the 2022 Ballon d'Or 30-man list, more are low-key powerful players. After coach Scaloni officially took over the coaching whip, the team showed super cohesion and strong fighting spirit, and played better team football.
Argentina coach Scaloni (left) during a World Cup match on October 8, 2020. Xinhua/AFP
Scaloni took over and overhauled the squad and built it entirely around Messi. Up front, he boldly used Lautaro from Inter Milan, who started 14 qualifiers and contributed seven goals, the most consistent scoring point outside of Messi. The 22-year-old has been in excellent form for Manchester City in the Premier League this season and the young striker with and without the ball could be a big surprise. In the central midfield, Scaloni established the "iron triangle" of De Paul, Lo Celso and Paredes, and helped Martinez become the starting goalkeeper.
Brazil's Neymar (second from right) and Argentina's De Paul (first from right) fight in the Copa America final on July 10, 2021. Xinhua News Agency (Photo by Lucio Tavola)
The Argentine team, which has a reasonable age structure, is more creative in attack, has a balanced offensive and defensive midfield, strong passing ability, and an increasingly solid defense, and has a tough overall style without losing his foot skills, defeating Brazil in the final of the Copa America in 2021, becoming the "king of South America" again after 28 years; In this World Cup South American qualifier, Argentina won 17 wins and 6 draws 11, scored 27 goals and conceded 8 goals; The Pampas Eagles currently hold the team record of 35 consecutive matches.
On the way to the World Cup title, injuries are Argentina's biggest obstacle.
With the start of the World Cup just around the corner, Di Maria suffered a hamstring injury, Paredes muscle discomfort, Dybala's thigh strain, centre-back Que Romero calf strain and Fiorentina striker Nicolás González also developed muscle problems. The biggest blow to Argentina was that Lo Celso had torn the biceps femoral muscle in his right leg in La Liga, and would have missed Qatar if he underwent surgery, and would have missed the group stage if he opted for conservative treatment.
Germany's Kai Havertz (right) fights with Argentina's Dybala in a friendly match on October 9, 2019. Xinhua News Agency (Photo by Ulrich Hufnagar)
In the past few years, Lo Celso has become one of the core of Argentina's midfield, and the 26-year-old can play as a central midfielder, right midfielder, full-back and other positions, with strong ball holding and breakthrough ability, which can greatly ease the pressure of Messi's retreat to receive the ball and maximize Messi's offensive threat in the opponent's goal area of 30 meters. At the same time, on the defensive end, his high pressing, space protection, and quick shots when switching between attack and defense are also difficult to replace by other players.
In this World Cup, Argentina is in Group C with Poland, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. In addition to the Saudi team, which is recognized as relatively weak, whether it is the Polish team led by Lewandowski or the Mexican team that is in the transition stage of the old and the new, I am afraid that it is difficult to cause too much obstacle to the "Pampas Eagles" group. Argentina's real test will come in the quarterfinals, where they will face teams from Group D. Group D has two strong teams, defending champions France and Denmark, who have been in the limelight recently, and Argentina is not sure of winning no matter which one they face.
But for a team that aspires to win the championship, it requires the confidence and courage to defeat all opponents.
As Messi said in his dressing room speech before the Copa America final: "We have a goal and we are one step away from achieving it. Let's step onto the pitch confidently and calmly, lift the trophy and bring it back to Argentina. ”
Perhaps with some luck, the "Pampas Eagle" can spread its wings again.
Source: Xinhua News Agency