DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi stands on the brink of a long-awaited World Cup the winner’s medal when Argentina take on defending champions France in Sunday’s final.
One of the greatest soccer players of all time is within easy reach of the only major trophy that has eluded him in his storied career.
But having experienced defeat in the 2014 final in Brazil, when Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany after extra time, Messi knows all too well the pain of seeing his World Cup dreams shattered.
If Argentina are going to win the tournament for the first time since 1986, here’s how they could do it:
LEAVE IT TO MESSI
There is no escaping the sense that Messi’s destiny is to emulate the great footballer Diego Maradona. and lead Argentina to the World Cup title. The 35-year-old Paris Saint-Germain striker has been inspired in Qatar, scoring five goals en route to the final and providing some magical assists for his teammates. Maradona, who died in 2020, also scored five goals in 1986 and was an iconic figure for his team and his country. Messi does not dominate games of more than 90 minutes as he did in his best years. Instead, he decides them with moments of brilliance that showcase the talents that have led many to describe him as the greatest soccer player ever. He has carried the nation’s expectations of him throughout his career, but never really delivered at a World Cup. While he may be past his prime, he has been more influential in this tournament than in any of his previous four World Cups. Argentina fans seem convinced that they will win the trophy for the third time and that there is something more than Messi guiding them. “Maradona”, they sing, “is cheering for Lionel” from the sky.
CONCENTRATION IS KEY
Assessing his team’s semi-final loss to France, Morocco coach Walid Regragui made a fascinating observation. “I think any country that plays France thinks they are close to winning,” he said. “But when you’re close to winning, you’re actually pretty far from winning.” After putting pressure on France for long periods, Morocco eventually lost 2-0. It was a similar story for England in the quarter-finals. France won 2-1 in that game, despite the England players believing they had been the better team. The warning is there for Argentina. Both teams have been comfortable giving up possession of the ball and attacking at halftime. Perhaps the winner is the team that manages to stick to those tactics, instead of getting sucked in and pushing too far forward. Maintaining that concentration and discipline will be vital for Argentina, especially with the threat of Kylian Mbappe’s speed when France break through.
FEED ON THE FANS
It has been emotional for Argentina and its fans, who have lit up the Qatar tournament. The massive outpouring of sentiment has been a feature after every win. That can take a lot out of the players, but in this case, it has felt like the opposite. Messi and company appear to be being buoyed by the weight of expectation, rather than weighed down by it. There is a sense that the players and the fans are in this together, and if, as expected, Argentina’s supporters outnumber France’s at Lusail Stadium on Sunday, that could give Messi and his teammates an advantage. of team. That being said, Morocco fans totally dominated the atmosphere in their country’s semi-final match against France and still ended up on the losing side.
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James Robson is in https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
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