Lionel Messi Has Done It In The Past For Argentina; Will He Carry his Team In Round of 16 at 2018 FIFA World Cup Too?

Lionel Messi has hit the headlines amidst a torrid campaign the Argentinian team is experiencing at FIFA World Cup 2018. Perhaps, striking a rough patch of form at a wrong time in his career has also affected his team’s chances to qualify in the round of 16 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Much like Sachin Tendulkar is for Indian cricket, Lionel Messi has been a centre point in Argentina’s ambitions for the third World Cup title. The desire to be the three-time World Champions has eluded them for over 32 years now!

The current form and latest team standings of Group D suggest that Argentina would need more than a win on Tuesday night, as they lock horns against Nigeria in a must-win match. However, not all is done and dusted as the Lionel Mess-led football team still has a chance to advance into the next round. Also, if one revisits the game’s record books, they would find episodes where Messi has single-handedly carried Argentina over the finishing line.

Often accused of not being able to show the same potential and ability to score goals while playing for Argentina as he does for his club FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi, in the past, has ensured that his national side has emerged victorious by scripting captivating comebacks!

Watch Video Clips of Lionel Messi Carrying Argentina To Victory On His Own:

It was Lionel Messi’s hat-trick against Ecuador which saw Argentina qualify for the Football World Cup 2018 in Russia. It was Messi’s heroics at the World Cup 2014 in Brazil that saw Argentina reach the finals of the multi-nation tournament. Not just that, one of the greatest players of all times, Messi has rescued his team quite a several times in his career. Even if not as much as he has performed for FC Barcelona, the La Albiceleste team captain has won the matches for his team in many come-from-behind victories.

Watch Lionel Messi Heroics Playing for Argentina:

In the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Russia, the Argentinian forward is facing a lot of flak for his lack of form. Also, the missed penalty kick against Iceland has only mounted more pressure on the star football player. A loss against Croatia saw him become a villain in no time for the fans. To make matters worse, his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo has had an excellent campaign so far. With four goals in 3 matches, which includes a hat-trick against Spain, Ronaldo’s success has also added fuel to the fire in criticism of Messi.

However, with all said and done, it is well documented that Lionel Messi has silenced his critics in the past in his style. The talent and the prowess that the Argentine striker possesses cannot be ruled out yet. It will be a tough match against Nigeria, on Tuesday, for Argentina. Nonetheless, if they secure a victory against them and other results fall into place as per their calculations, Argentina will be through in the next round of 2018 FIFA World Cup. For that, Messi, much like Tendulkar will himself have to deliver to fulfil the dream of being a World Champ!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 26, 2018 07:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).