Friday, March 29, 2024
spot_img

The magician from Rosario

After watching France vs Denmark yesterday evening, I decided to leave the lounge I watched the game for another location for the Argentina vs Mexico game. As I was leaving, someone asked: ‘’Where are you going? Won’t you wait to watch Messi vs Mexico?’’ That’s greatness.

For the past 12 years, Argentina has been about Lionel Messi. He was made captain of the Albicelestes at a young age and since then, he has been shouldering the burden of a crazy football nation.

There is a saying that action speaks louder than words. That is what best describes Lionel Messi who is arguable the greatest footballer of all time (#GOAT).

He is a man of few words who allows his football do the talking for him. He also leads by the way he plays. That’s why the late Diego Maradona made him captain of Argentina two days before he turned 23. As a result, he became the youngest player in the history of the World Cup to be captain. Some people in Argentina were not in support of Maradona’s move. In fact, there were rumors that it was one of the reasons he dropped some of the senior players ahead of the World Cup. ‘’All for Messi.’’

Maradona hugging Messi in 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa

However, as captain, Messi has been criticised for not speaking enough or showing emotions when his team needs him the most. But one thing we can’t deny is that he has stepped up on most occasions by his actions on the field. And he lifts his teammates by doing that.

For instance, when he scored that fantastic goal out of nowhere yesterday, it motivated the others. In fact, Enzo Fernandez’s brilliant goal was a reaction to Messi’s goal.

Two moments of brilliance. One by Messi and the other, inspired by Messi. And as Argentina progresses, there will be more moments.

When it comes to making analysis, I try to take myself out of the crowd. It’s very easy to be lost in the crowd and say what everyone else is saying. Not me. A lot of people are saying Argentina played poorly yesterday despite the win and won’t make it past a decent European team in the round of 16. I agree they played poorly and relied on individual brilliance, but I strongly disagree because football isn’t mathematics.

Also, it should be noted that Argentina were unbeaten in over 30 games before that unimaginable loss to Saudi Arabia. Once beaten twice shy. As they grow in confidence, many of the teams they face will see why they have been unbeaten.

Several of the Argentine players may be relatively unknown, but are dogged and are ready to do the dirty work for Messi. Those who tipped them as the biggest favourite behind Brazil know what they are saying.

I believe Argetnina can win this World Cup in Qatar. Call me crazy but I still believe that they are strong contenders for the trophy. It wouldn’t come as a surprise to me if they win it. They have some old guards in the team and the magician from Rosario is ready to make history on the world’s biggest stage.

Yusuf Mohammed
Yusuf Mohammedhttp://yusufcolumnist@gmail.com
Yusuf Mohammed, an experienced Nigerian journalist, writer and editor, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and International Relations from Al-Hikmah University. He cut his journalism teeth at Business Hallmark newspaper in 2013. From Business Hallmark, he moved to New Telegraph newspaper where he was an editorial staff from 2015 – 2017. In 2017, he joined The Next Edition as a pioneer staff and helped to take it to the summit of online platforms. He had a second spell at Business Hallmark in 2019 before establishing The Columnist Ng, a platform dedicated to publishing articles of renowned Nigerian writers. Mohammed's writings have been published in several Nigerian newspapers and magazines such as Daily Trust, Premium Times, The Cable and Newswatch. His tribute to the late football great, Diego Maradona was published in three magazines, including Air Peace in-flight Magazine in 2020.
RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisment -
Google search engine

Most Popular

Who is Listening?

The disappearing voters

BVAS: INEC’s game changer

Recent Comments