Messi Awaits Best Gift

AFP PHOTO/JUAN MABROMATA

Argentina\'s forward Lionel Messi eyes a small ball during a training session at the team\'s base camp in Bronnitsy, on June 25, 2018 on the eve of the team\'s third game as part of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D match.

SAINT PETERSBURG, KOMPAS – Argentinean superstar Lionel Messi got a kiss on the cheek from coach Jorge Sampaoli ahead of practice on Sunday (24/6/2018) in Bronnitsy, Moscow. On that day, Messi, the five-time winner of FIFA’s best player award, celebrated his 31st birthday.

Not far from the Argentinean training center, Bronnitsy residents and Argentineans also held a birthday celebration for Messi with a large, Messi-shaped cake. Messi did not attend, but he still received an outpouring of prayer and support.

Messi, however, was not reveling on his own birthday. He was facing a mountain of trouble and was too tired from the weight on his shoulders. Although often considered messianic, Messi had yet to present his country with a victory.

Argentina has scored only one point in two matches in the 2018 World Cup. The “Tango team” ended its match against Iceland with a 1-1 draw. In its subsequent match against Croatia, they were thoroughly battered 0-3.

Now, Argentina is facing its life-or-death match against Nigeria in the final Group D match at Saint Petersburg Stadium on Wednesday (27/6) at 1 a.m. Jakarta time. If Argentina is defeated, they will exit the World Cup. Earlier, Nigeria won 2-0 over Iceland. This was a seemingly unachievable feat for the Tango team.

AFP PHOTO/GIUSEPPE CACACE

Argentina\'s goalkeeper Franco Armani holds a press conference at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg on June 25, 2018, on the eve of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D match between Nigeria and Argentina.

Messi did not score even a single goal in his team’s two matches. He also failed to score a penalty kick in the match against Iceland. Many jeered at him on social media, often comparing him to Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored four goals, or to England’s Harry Kane with five goals.

Living Argentinean legend Diego Maradona said that he was exasperated by the situation. In an interview with a Venezuelan TV station, he said that he wished to speak to all the players. “We need to ensure the team’s dignity,” said Maradona, who won the 1986 World Cup for Argentina.

‘Not solid’

The situation has been worsened by the apparent rift among Argentinean players, who are reportedly clashing with Sampaoli due to disagreements with their coach’s strategies. Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia denied the rumors in a recent press conference.

“Things indeed happened. Players are disagreeing with Sampaoli’s ways. The team is not solid. We do have Messi, but it is like we do not have a team,” Fernando Czyz, a reporter from Doble Amarilla Argentina sports outlet, said on Monday at Saint Petersburg Stadium. Nevertheless, Czyz said, Sampaoli had only managed the Tango team for one year and, therefore, might need more time to really gel with the players.

AFP PHOTO/CHRISTOPHE SIMON

Argentina\'s coach Jorge Sampaoli

Tango team fans, however, disagreed with the view. Argentinean fan Daniel Franco, who traveled to Russia to support his national team, said that Sampaoli was the main problem with the team. “He is the problem. He could not make the team solid. I think he should leave,” he said.

Nevertheless, Franco said that he remained optimistic about Argentina’s chances in beating Nigeria. According to him, Argentina had many superstars and it could get back up again.

On the other hand, Nigeria remained humble. “We beat Iceland, but we have maintain humility. Argentina is a highly qualified team with tons of experience,” Nigerian coach Gernot Rohr told a press conference. The Nigerian Super Eagles will only need a draw against Argentina to make it to the next round. Gernot said the team would still seek a win.

Nigeria’s energy and self-confidence, boosted by its roster of young players, will be a bane for Argentina. Messi, quite possibly in his final World Cup, is awaiting the most wonderful gift – not only for himself, but also for his country.