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World Cup : Is Lionel Messi’s dream over?

By Chiranjib Ghosh

NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA JUNE 21, 2018: Argentina's Lionel Messi in a First Stage Group D football match between Argentina and Croatia at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium at FIFA World Cup Russia 2018; Croatia won 3-0. Mikhail Japaridze/TASS (Photo by Mikhail JaparidzeTASS via Getty Images)
NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA JUNE 21, 2018: Argentina's Lionel Messi in a First Stage Group D football match between Argentina and Croatia at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium at FIFA World Cup Russia 2018; Croatia won 3-0. Mikhail Japaridze/TASS (Photo by Mikhail JaparidzeTASS via Getty Images) /
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Argentina got a 3-0 thrashing from Croatia in the 2nd group stage game

NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA – JUNE 21: Lionel Messi of Argentina looks on after argentina conceived second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Argentina and Croatia at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on June 21, 2018 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. (Photo by Lukasz Laskowski/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images)
NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA – JUNE 21: Lionel Messi of Argentina looks on after argentina conceived second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Argentina and Croatia at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on June 21, 2018 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. (Photo by Lukasz Laskowski/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images) /

Diego Maradona is the greatest player of all-time because he single-handedly led his nation to World Cup glory, scoring the greatest goal of the 20th century in the process. Lionel Messi would surpass him only if he could do the same, but has his dreams been shattered?

Argentina were wasteful in possession against Croatia. They couldn’t respond to the high press and the three-man backline was a failure. The attack was isolated by the poor performance of the midfield, and Leo Messi was nowhere to be seen.

While the first goal was a howler on the part of Willy Caballero, the second and third goals could easily have been avoided by proper defending. After the terrible performance against Iceland, this is a huge blow to Argentina’s chances of making it out of the group.

Iceland are favourites to secure victory against Nigeria. And if Iceland get any sort of result against Croatia in their last group-stage game, Argentina’s performance against Nigeria will not matter, and the Albiceleste will be knocked out.

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Lionel Messi is the best player in the world. Jorge Sampaoli has no idea how to utilise his talent. The Argentina team should hope that either Nigeria or Croatia defeat Iceland so that it can give its best against Nigeria to secure qualification.

Instead of using a three-man defence, Sampaoli should use a normal backline with two centre-backs and two full-backs. Nicolás Otamendi and Javier Mascherano should be manning the middle, while Marcos Rojo should come in on the left and Gabriel Mercado should be on the right.

A two-man midfield will do the trick, with Éver Banega and Lucas Biglia. While Paulo Dybala occupies the false nine role, Leo Messi can cut in from the right and Ángel Di María can speed down the left flank, with either Gonzalo Higuaín or Sergio Agüero up top.

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Lionel Messi’s dream of bringing the World Cup to Argentina is too important for the team to waste away. The players need to find inspiration from their captain and perform at their level best, in order to win the World Cup.