Messi scores on return from injury for Inter Miami
Lionel Messi scored on his return from injury as Inter Miami were held to a 2-2 home draw with Colorado in their Major League Soccer (MLS) clash.
With best players, there is extreme scrutiny and assessment of their performances. It happens every single game. Today above all, Lionel Messi will be the centre of attention when Argentina face Croatia at Stadion Nizhny Novgorod.
Argentina will be hoping Messi comes into his own, and makes his presence felt. Having missed a penalty in the opening game against Iceland, he will be looking to make amends.
Lionel Messi alone can’t lead Argentina to glory in Russia, and Albiceleste know that. It will be unfair to expect him to win it all alone for his country. The other players will have to step and show that they can compliment Messi on the pitch and make a difference of their own.
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When Argentina won the World Cup in 1986, Diego Maradona was their star. But it was a team that was much more than just Maradona. Argentina’s team featured several superb players including Jorge Valdano, Oscar Ruggeri and Jorge Burruchaga. When it mattered, they stepped up and played their part.
For the Albiceleste to repeat 1986, every player will have to play out of their skin. They will have to show passion, grit, composure and above all – fight. They need to release the pressure on Messi, only then will they see the best of him. He will win you a game on his own, no doubt about that, but he can’t do everything on the pitch. The midfield will have to supply him, they need to free him up the field, and let him run at the opposition defences.
Argentina won’t have it easy though. They face a talented and promising Croatia side, that has one of the best midfield at this year’s World Cup. Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, and Mateo Kovacic form the core of the team. With Argentina’s midfield not as good on paper, it promises to be an exciting contest.
It will be business as usual for Messi, who will step on the pitch to silence his critics and give Argentina three crucial points.
Argentina vs Croatia
WORLD CUP – GROUP D
23:30 IST
Venue: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium
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