Lionel Messi has been a great servant of football and the star striker has taken the game to new heights playing for Barcelona in La Liga. However, his performances for the national team has not been upto his reputation as he strived to change the context in the ongoing FIFA World cup. But luck did not favoured the Argentine captain as he failed to score in the two matches that may bring him to a crucial stage of his career, where he may say “quit” to the national colours. On that note, we discuss 4 points why the game against Nigeria can be the last game for Lionel Messi’s International career.
Also read: Top 5 Footballers who will be playing their last FIFA World Cup
1:) Costly miss
Messi missed a penalty against Iceland and that may be the reason why his team had to settle for a draw against world cup debutants Iceland. In the very next match against Croatia, it was almost a do or die situation for Argentina and the pressure was mounting on Messi right from the national anthem, to deliver for his team. He was in alot of pressure and it was showing on his face. As a results, Croatia striked 3 goals and Argentina failed to score, Messi failed to score and the South American nation again had to face a setback that almost ruled them out of the world cup.
Missing chances for national team at crucial junctures has been a story for Messi. He missed a penalty at the 2016 Copa America finals and as a result his team lost and he retired following lot of criticism. But a small mistake in the world cup can prove too heavy for him with lot of negative statements from the fans and countrymen can double the pressure and a big reason why the game against Nigeria can be last game for Lionel Messi’s International career.
2:) Argentina’s performance in Russia
Lionel Messi had earlier suggested that he won’t get another chance if Argentina fail to win the World Cup in Russia this summer. Now with the minimal chances of Argentina to qualify for the last 16, its looking certain that Messi will never be seen in blue and white stripes yet again. Winning the world cup for Argentina could heal the wounds of loosing two Copa Americas and the 2014 World Cup but the milestone looks far from the reach as of now. Read: Argentina captain Lionel Messi hints retirement from the national team
3:) Inconsistent performances for Argentina
Messi has earned alot of respect in Spain and Europe playing for Barcelona. But he has failed to earn the same respect from his countrymen because of his inconsistent performance in the national colours. The same story continues in Russia which has spread hatred against him. There are alot of voices raised for his retirement and it might get true in few days, proving the clash with Nigeria to be the last game for Lionel Messi in his International career.
Some fans are heard saying that “He is not a team man, he should just play at club level”. Some are also gone till the worst extent of “Killing Messi”
4:) Ronaldo- Messi Rivalry in national colours
4:) The Ronaldo-Messi rivalry has become more intense with time and there is no doubt that Messi has dominated the proceedings in La Liga. However, when it comes to the national team, Ronaldo’s stats speaks in itself. The Real Madrid striker has won Euro 2016 and now is the leading goal scorer in Russia. His heroics ensured a well fought draw against Spain and a win against Morocco that ensured a place in the last 16. Messi, on the other hand failed to score in the 2 matches despite lot of expectations.
A controversial debate of “who is the best in the world” has again started and this time Ronaldo is far ahead in the race. The pressure may be mounting on Messi and he might say “goodbye” to his International career. It may end this fierce rivalry atleast at the International level.
