This article acknowledges that Messi will have to perform closer to his all conquering Barcelona level to lead Argentina to World Cup glory and cement his claim as the greatest of all time. However Messi must be judged at the end of his career to fully assess his achievements for his country, rather than making hasty judgments now. Afterall there were similar reservations about Maradona prior to 1986.
International football has evolved over the last twenty years, as teams are more adept than ever at stifling the opposition, as illustrated by last summer. This means it will be harder for Messi to perform the superhuman antics of Maradona in 1986. Undoubtedly Messi has the ability to rival his compatriot, it’s just that he may need a bit more time to showcase his full ability for his country. Barcelona are a finely tuned machine designed to exploit every players strength and minimize their weaknesses, the struggles of Dani Alves for Brazil being a case in point.
The Barca juggernaut has been honed by thousands of hours of practice, a luxury that no International team will ever have. Therefore it is natural it may take a bit longer for Messi to shine as brightly as he can for his country.
People have gone out their way to question Messi’s frame of mind by questioning his desire and determination to succeed for the albiceleste. This is ridiculous when you consider his decision to snub Spain, and his comments that he would happily trade all his Barcelona medals for the World Cup.
Messi understands he will have to put up with the criticism for now, greatness in any form spawns envy and spite, and there are those always looking for that chink in the Armour. However you can expect the little magician to silence all the doubters by the end.
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