Can Argentina win with Messi playing like this? 🤔 | ESPN FC

The ESPN FC LA panel of Kasey Keller, Herculez Gomez, Ale Moreno and Sebastian Salazar react to Argentina beating Ecuador on penalties to advance to the Copa America 2024 Semifinals.
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[@PSG_Supremacy]

Messi is not Ronaldo. When he don't score he assists, advances his team, offers key passes... while Ronaldo does nothing but wait in the box.

[@ozoneA6]

And what messi did last night? 34 touches in 90 minutes? No R16 or extra time. What you talking about? Do proper research please.

[@Antony-Dinglenut-The-Goat]

@@ozoneA6at least he doesn’t miss great opportunities.

[@PSG_Supremacy]

​@@ozoneA6 2 key passes.

[@maccarr9072]

Messi should have been subbed. He hurt the team

[@ozoneA6]

@@Antony-Dinglenut-The-Goat penalty last night? 🤡👀💩💩 oh, do proper research again. He had one and missed it idiot.

[@NimitShah29]

Emiliano Martinez is the unsung hero, a God's gift to Argentina National Football Team

[@felipegimzap]

Definitely not unsung, we love him. I was at the game and we all knew he would come up big

[@tejaswinithukral6534]

True

[@miguelaltunagajr6379]

Messi half way impacts the game just by showing up . Guaranteed gravitation of defence ,assistance in passing, opening up spaces for others and the opposition feeling scared . Just throw the Messi's shirt on the pitch and you have 5 defenders around it.

[@mcdonalddaviaga49]

Did Argentina lose? No, they won and they progressed into the semi's even with a game par below their standards. Messi was fielded, had little impact from what we saw but they won! They have the mentality to win and they still win games. Let's visit this conversation when they lose!

[@marysophy3665]

People want to see WC 2022 Messi in every competition Argentina plays in

[@masudbillah6196]

​@@marysophy3665 that the standard the GOAT has set

[@eamano8474]

It was a shocking game quality wise and the team could barely put 3 passes together to get the ball to messi most of the time

[@asionyekennedy2028]

Messi wasn't special in the world cup so stop the cap ​@@marysophy3665

[@robswrld5527]

Messi is finished.Washed. Done! Give him the waterboy shirt!

[@obioraabiakam1604]

The disrespect to Ecuador makes no sense...they played well. Stop just saying Argentina didnt play well. They played a solid team that doesnt back down.

[@papasmamas1]

Im argentinian, our team didnt play well.

[@non-kh7tm]

Ecuador was good but argentina was totally disorganized

[@lugarci1]

I completely agree. I'm from Argentina, and Ecuador/Venezuela/Canada gets disrespect from people that want to say that Argentina's road to the final is easy (probably Messi haters). We have faced them before, and they are difficult teams, if we have a bad day, we will surely lose. And in this game, Argentina didn't play well, but that's also because Ecuador had a good performance, and was able to neutralice Argentina. Also, there is always a plus in motivation to beat the reigning champions.

[@ortizburguez6102]

@@non-kh7tm They were a bunch of thugs. When they started to play instead of fighting, it was a bit too late.

[@kingseiryu929]

​@@lugarci1 I looked at the bookies odds. For semi finals, Argentina was twice as favoured as the next country (Brazil) to win it all lol This is very unlike the euros where half of the 8 remaining countries had basically the same odds to win I would put money on Argentina to advance because euros is kinda more unpredictable. Fans have their own ideas but the actual odds and numbers tell the whole story and betting agencies have skin in the game

[@MessJB]

Imagine if Messi will have a masterclass in the semis. 😭 It's Messi. Even at 37, I think he still chooses where he'll shine. We'll see in the upcoming days. I could be wrong, but history doesn't really agree with me.

[@EagleEyes77]

Messi doesn't blank. He blanked in those games before the previous one. Let's not sing praises so much. Yes we know what he can do, but the risk is too much. He was sluggish. He got a chance and just see how he played the ball.

[@pritomhuq1990]

I would choose 50% Messi any day over any player

[@inzykhan415]

Then you are a big fool

[@miguelaltunagajr6379]

Amen

[@CesarHernandez-tx6od]

Delusion

[@shaquillethomas1544]

​@@CesarHernandez-tx6od and your a clown 🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@MysticFnaticz]

​@@CesarHernandez-tx6od messi will be dangerous in semis and final he's coming back

[@a-townyd7714]

We don’t even care anymore, Messi has completed football 😎

[@EagleEyes77]

So Argentina shouldn't continue winning trophies?

[@a-townyd7714]

@@EagleEyes77 i like how you think, you just made me laugh, thanks pal

[@EagleEyes77]

@@a-townyd7714 hihi sorry bruv. Just got a little upset

[@Slim-MMA]

Unlike Ronaldo, Messi doesn’t need to score to impact games. 👍

[@bestremixes4482]

you’re right muppet -he doesn’t score - instead all he does is walk around and pick his nose 😂

[@da_nilljay5243]

@@bestremixes4482penaldo is out. Cry more

[@scottyone1146]

@@bestremixes4482where crkelly at

[@Gfresh844]

@@bestremixes4482He's played just 3 games, yet has created the most chances at this Copa. Not bad for someone who walks around and picks his nose.

[@crazechill1]

But Messi did neither. Dead weight in attack and defense.

[@saxannjo6173]

He creates chances,, he assists,,, he initializes dangerous moves,,,

[@goat6262]

Messi messing around in the copa America with the paneka is funny

[@Neontastic]

Messi is the GOAT!

[@dalymufc]

ah its funny to troll for your team

[@mpaung]

😂😂😂

[@asmanz9239]

The goalkeeper had already dived in the wrong direction, but unfortunately, the Panenka hit the post instead of going directly to the keeper.

[@mousommaji1642]

it was just an inch buddy, and it could have been the goal

[@Gfresh844]

Ronaldo fans so badly want Messi to receive the same level of criticism. The difference is CR was in the Portugal team purely to be the focal point as a goalscorer, yet has been unable to do that at his last two tournaments. Meanwhile, not only does Messi offer much more beyond goals; but in that time he's been able to help lead his country to the World Cup. The reality is he may not have scored at this Copa, yet in just 3 games he's created the most chances at the tournament, while not being fully fit. Unlike Ronaldo his performances can never be judged just by whether he scores or not. The reality is he's had one bad game, yet even still it was his corner that led to Argentina's goal. That's why even when he's not fully sharp he still brings value to his team. Their situations are not comparable. It goes without saying Ronaldo has been an incredible player but he no longer is beneficial for Portugal against good opposition. I also think Messi will know when it's the right time to call it a day, where as CR it seems will only do that when he's no longer selected.

[@EagleEyes77]

DO YOU LISTEN TO YOURSELF? Nobody is being biased towards Ronaldo here. Messi was sluggish. Even with the passes, he couldn't get into positions to play-make. He was out of the game.

[@ThuyNguyen-zi5jy]

Very simple: shut up! Messi makes his decision. Not you guys.

[@crazechill1]

Messi can make his decision but fans can be critical of his performances. You can't make them shut up.

[@nickbuis3307]

​@@crazechill1It's not an order, it's a tip for those who speak nonsense.

[@inzykhan415]

You get off your knees and shut up pessi fangirl clean the mess of your chin after gobbling the dwarf so bad

[@ThuyNguyen-zi5jy]

@@nickbuis3307 Thank you!

[@ThuyNguyen-zi5jy]

@@crazechill1 Fans can criticize Messi, and I can criticize them.

[@seanstevenson9891]

Relax. This Ecuador game is the equivalent of the Saudi game in the World Cup. A needed wake-up. We'll see a dominant Argentina going forward. 🇦🇷⭐️🌟⭐️🇦🇷

[@historianofmanythings4294]

Messi wasn’t hurt in that game tho

[@mousommaji1642]

@@historianofmanythings4294 nope, but seems age is finally catching up, fatigue prone, its understandable

[@historianofmanythings4294]

@@mousommaji1642 yeah totally understandable. Other important players like Enzo aren’t doing well either

[@Skygoers]

I hope that is the case!

[@PeacePetal]

Scaloni needs to let Ángel di María work as the playmaker until he’s tired (idk, 70’ or so) and then bring on Messi when everyone else is tired. He’s a good coach, and he’s shown a lot of adaptability in the past. Hopefully he can adapt the strategy to this situation, too.

[@judistzoinkiski3395]

YOu know messi is hurt right? Di maria LOL. they need to go back to the 4-3-3 before trying di maria. They looked "bad" in the 4-4-2 all year

[@crazechill1]

Messi is washed

[@Spookybozo]

@@crazechill1and he’s got a Copa, Finalissima and World Cup against all reigning champions at the times of those finals. Pipe down boy 🤫

[@amda7882]

@@SpookybozoMickey mouse copa every year. Friendlisma?!?! 😝 and a rigged winter cup of pens

[@Spookybozo]

@@amda7882 yea that’s right, nothing else to say except trying to downplay the major trophies. Stay mad chump 🧂

[@mousommaji1642]

not to forget, the firstr goal from martinez came from messi's corner..

[@taral927]

Some People have fish brain, forget quickly

[@nehayadav772]

even before that Messi did many crucial passes. it's just players couldn't convert into goal. whatever little he was playing, he did well with that.

[@askgrafixcustomers5601]

Average Messi is better than full cr7

[@noire9601]

Please let him rest. Messi can't be there all the time...he's just a Man! However, I do want Argentina to win at all costs, no matter what!

[@simbaking6338]

Messi & his Argentinian teammates had a bad game & Messi himself still nursing an injury.......one not so great performance doesnt maake a team a lesser team...Argentina are the defending champions & they are determine to retain the Copa title...This game changes nothing & they usually play better the bigger their opponents are.....Nothing to be worried about....smh!!!

[@lexkanyima2195]

They are hungry for a farewell

[@billyroche1951]

This is good for La Scaloneta. We have to think about life after Messi and who will step up. They got his back just like last match against some inspiring play by Ecuador.

[@tobaepebinuade5830]

It’s a testament to the collective strength of the Argentina national team that without Lionel Messi being at his prolific best at the Copa América and the team as a whole haven’t been great either are on the brink of winning another international trophy. What do you expect from a 37 year old man even Messi is human and he’s not perfect. Whether he’s not 100% fit or age is finally catching up with him, so far he hasn’t had a great tournament by his usual standards as yes he played only 3 games; he still has 0 goals. He is a player who isn’t just about goalscoring since he’s a creative player who has created a lot of chances, but I don’t think he was influential during their game against Ecuador because apart from a couple of touches, he was never able to really get in the game and make a mark on it. You don’t expect much of him as his job on the pitch is to get into scoring positions when they pass him the ball in the right areas and he’s also someone who’s supposed to get on the ball and make things happen, since he’s Messi he’s being marked very well as that’s taking him out of games so easily and we have to remember that without the ball out of possession, he’s not going to sprint or track back as that never been his role in a team and you’re not asking him to defend and cover distance. As I said before do you really expect much from him. Not to mention that during the penalty shoutout just like his arch rival the other day, he missed it, thankfully his teammates helped him at the end of the day. Considering what he did at the last World Cup, how he’s been playing at the Copa América so far it won’t tarnish his legacy as his teammates are about to help him win an international trophy proving that Argentina aren’t a team over-reliant on Messi and have proven that they’re able to grind results when they play nowhere near their best and that’s exactly why they’re world champions.

[@jasvirsandhu1158]

They have not changed their cloths since yesterday 😂😂😂 Likely telecasting yesterday recording ESPN 😀

[@goat6262]

Penaldo Is out of the euro 😂

[@OfficialOwnerOFCertainFanbase]

Don't even talk about him, messi is on another level. It was never a rivalry. All media propaganda

[@migueleduardocabrera433]

@@OfficialOwnerOFCertainFanbasefatherless

[@Ferna3k]

Pessi missed a penalty 🤣💀

[@Neontastic]

😂😂😂

[@OfficialOwnerOFCertainFanbase]

Go away with your finished fraud idol ​@@migueleduardocabrera433

[@wafflepvp5493]

They are facing Canada, just bench him and let him heal. Martinez and Alvarez, and DI maria can definitely win in the Semis. Make him come off the bench if the game is close

[@Brynny211]

Yea they are still good…. The team is built well… All positions they have solid players… Plus they have the best goalkeeper in the world… Messi just needs to come through in a moment here or there.

[@claudiarebollo7398]

Just with Messi presence in the field makes opponents nervous sooo give me Leo always.

[@OfficialOwnerOFCertainFanbase]

Honestly I'm worried if scaloni risk playing him

[@Frank-bg7yd]

Messi should play the second half. Let Angel play the first half.

[@andreiii204]

That's exactly what I was thinking having Messi in the second half is great while Di maria plays the first half it gives him enough time to rest, I think Argentina will play Canada in the semi-finals and Canada isn't a really tough team

[@crazechill1]

Messi should watch full 90 mins from the bench.

[@LeoAngelG10]

​@@crazechill1bro still crying after portugal lost 😂

[@DIEFJELEGENDE]

@@crazechill1lmao mad Ronaldo lost hahshshshah

[@fardinaula123]

Without him no chance Argentina will win copa ?? You people are just joker

[@Dreyvon]

All the analysis were right but not too correct.Di Maria needed to be rested because we have seen that whenever he pick injury at the crucial stages,it end up affecting Argentina in the final matches,so the coach need him in the last two matches for victory

[@phantoms7772]

The disrespect to cr7 and lm10 is crazy

[@anthonyr587]

What is crazy is people thinking common sense and fact is disrespectful. Use your brain. Ronaldo is nearly 40 and Messi is 37, father time is undefeated. There is a reason athletes retire and don't go on until they are 50 years old, why? because your body can no longer do what your mind wants it to. They play in Saudi and the MLS, two slow leagues with much lower intensity and standards than top end international football. They are not the players they once were. They will go down as legends, but nothing lasts forever. That was Ronaldo's last game for Portugal, and I bet Messi is done when Argentina go out too. Time for the new generation.

[@phantoms7772]

@@anthonyr587 yes ofcourse. ..but the way they disrespect these 2 legends is disgusting ...its hard to let go when you dominant the game for 20 years ... I can get the fact that there are not the same ..but the disrespect is too much for such legends of the game ...

[@crazechill1]

CR7 & Messi are disrespecting their own national teams by staying on for too long. Time to move on and make way for the youngsters.

[@suryansdash5830]

@@crazechill1 the question is, are the youngsters better than them right now? If not, the should continue playing.

[@footballhighlightsfirst1379]

As a messi fan. That waa no disrespect. Even messi would agree .his last game vs ecuador was maybe his worst game in history. But again we know he is a bit still injured. The thing is maybe he should try coming in as a sub untill he fully fit

[@Pontifex777]

The biggest crime was not putting di maria on the field at all! I would have been upset if they waited for the 80th minute as they tend to do, but not at all! If they were eliminated in his last tournament without him playing... Even Paredes, lo celso, or carboni would have been energetic.

[@ikaduva]

The real problem was the absence of DiMaria and the worst performance in the Mid.. nothing else.. Messi was not there that's true. But Martinez is not going to try replace DiMaria performance...Di maria and Messi combination with Alvarez is a one of the best...we will see that in coming finals..

[@pesinvincible9302]

If messi can carry argentina for almost 2 decades on his shoulder, I don't think this Argentina team will have any problem carry a 37 year old Magical Player with injuries in his body and win the Copa 2024. Did Argentina team carry Messi to victories in Fifa WC 2022 and Copa 2021? The answer is yes. But Still I mean still Messi was the best player in both the tournaments. If in Copa 2024, Dibu Martinez or Lat. Martinez or any other player becomes the player of the tournament, and messi's goal contribution remains zero, I think it would be the greatest tribute to what messi has done for the country for all these years. He can finally take retirement believing that this team is capable of winning trophies without a star man like him. I salute what Messi has done all through his career and no one and I mean no one has the right to take a dig at him just because he is not doing well in this tournament which may be his last. Try to enjoy him till he is on the pitch, as the time has come to bid goodbye.

[@Publicistvideos]

The pitch was in terrible shape. The ball was bouncing around erratically. Argentina depends on ground passing and it definitely affected them. Ecuador is more aerial.

[@suiz1781]

Yep

[@a-walpatches6460]

There's no such thing as an 'outside back', lol. They're called fullbacks.

[@NoCoastRaps]

- ☝️🤓

[@michaelclayton9658]

😂😂😂

[@ripcartier]

⁠@@NoCoastRaps ☝️🐵

[@iaintreallytrippintho]

@@ripcartierdid you just call him a monkey

[@crazechill1]

Yes, but have you heard 'inside back'. I just made it up, just like ESPN experts

[@ianazura7915]

Messis presence is a big help already.. tge Ecuadorians just played well..

[@ezekielphiri2607]

Messi caught walking on the pitch scanning the pitch😂

[@ukoben4960]

The question who was behind the corner kick that led to the header by martinez in argentina's only goal against Ecuador? Messi......Messi will be ready in the semi-final against Canada. It is a good wake-up call for him.

[@arnabbagchi4260]

A man down??? Really ?? Even after all these, pundits still don't learn. Only thing I saw is Messi isn't dropping in midfield. Don't know why. I hope he shuts these guys up. Messi even with sub par performance created both the goals vs canada. He is the victim of his own lofty standards. Last thing Messi would do is hold Argentina back. This guy gave up playing for Spain for Argentina. Handled outrageous abuse from his fellow countrymen after 4 finals loss. Still came back during the 2018 wc qualifier and scored hattrick. You pundits can rest be assured Messi won't be an obstacle in Argentina's path.

[@UPTIMUPRIME]

MESSI PLAYED WHILE HE WAS STILL INJURED BUT WE ALL THINK HES THAT BAD SMH WHERE IS THE FAITH WHEN YOU NEED IT.

[@kirklegall1752]

Guys messi is messi...even if he hasnt played his best...he still contributes all the time....

[@FredyBong-pi5fx]

Last meeting between Portugal and Ecuador ended with 2 - 3 defeat for Portugal

[@Ask-a-Rocket-Scientist]

I’m hoping this was their “Saudi Arabia” game and they kick it up going forward.

[@genius0498]

I, honestly, was expecting Messi to come off the bench for that game, not to actually play 120 minutes. I think Scaloni simply said to himself, "well, he played all those minutes during the World cup so he can do it again, effectively." But It is obvious that things are different now, as in the World cup he didn't start the tournament with injuries, that's why, except the opening game against Canada he was always the one making the difference.

[@UPTIMUPRIME]

😂😂😂😂IM JUST WAITING ON ESPN TO SLIP UP.

[@SProdLLC]

Messi’s presence is beyond whether he plays well or not. Argentina is going to win Copa America and Messi is going to be a different player in next two games.

[@jivasrocks]

a injured Messi is not CR7 who is fit but performing very porrly continuously

[@sports_monk]

Why scaloni starting Nico Gonzalez over fenomenal D Maria?

[@User-qt7hf]

not to get Dimaria injured.... Dimaria will play on final... and on second half on semi if necessary

[@jad879]

Vs Netherlands struggled???? Netherlands had 70 minutes ZERO shots on goal😂😂😂

[@shaquillethomas1544]

Thank you,its like they didn't remember the games

[@briaf3370]

Teams should hire Ale Moreno as a co- coach

[@ratcertified]

don't swap Lisandro next he is the best cb to hold full back

[@gamble777888]

Messi was clearly diminished coming back from injury against Ecuador. If he doesn't regain his form it will be tough, but I think he will.

[@fernandoselis9834]

Ironic both messi and ronaldo missing pks in each tournament, saved by their goalkeepers and both holding back their teams from playing a certain way.

[@kevinmaguto1161]

Are you talking about Messi? Someone here once called him a fraud, relax, he is a world cup winner

[@L.h314]

Messi cannot take brutal fault like these other teams use to stop their inability to take the ball. He is 37. One of his exact pass will win the game. Do you need more to do at 37?

[@historianofmanythings4294]

WHAT GAMES WAS HERC WATCHING???? Caicedo has been easily one of the best players of the tournament!!!

[@Adrian1trk]

Di Maria can fill in any day of the week. He's our wild card, when he's at his best, Argentina is unbeatable.

[@gonzalocastillo2804]

The bench played spectacularly vs Peru. Scaloni made poor decisions too. He should have benched DePaul and Enzo from half time.

[@allthatihave14]

Finally about kelsey about Messi choosing his time to contribute his a different player but still very impactful.

[@TheCoolman1977]

Argentina played 61 matches over the course of past 5 years , won 48, drew 11 times and lost only twice, that's a 79% winning percentage. It was a bad day in terms of performance, yet they won thanks to Dibu and the overall team spirit and unity which was non-existent before the Scaloni era. You can't expect the same level of consistency matches after matches, stumbles would come to any team. Ecuador is a team that can give any team in the world a run for their money, especially due to their physicality and they also played well, that needs to be admitted. Argentina can get back into the gear in the semis, fixing the errors and wrong decisions made in the team selection in the quarters.

[@saadtheman1]

Things I learnt from Ronaldo fans after the World Cup 1. FIFA helped Messi to win the World Cup with Penalties, 2. FIFA helped Messi with the goal and Assist he had against Mexico and Australia. 3. FIFA Forced Netherland to miss two penalties. 4. FIFA Helped Messi to give an unbelievable pass to Molina to score; and FIFA dribbled Gardiol and pass the ball to Alvarez to score. 5. FIFA Bribed Santos to bench Ronaldo and then tied Ronaldo legs against Morocco 6. FIFA scored the goal for Morocco against Portugal 7. FIFA TOLD Brazil to lose to Croatia
Then in the final 8. FIFA told Dembele not to tackle Di Maria outside the box that he should wait till he gets into the box 9. FIFA told France to allow Argentina to score the second goal 10. FIFA forgot that Argentina bribed them and awarded two penalty to France 11. Fifa told Kolo Muani to place the ball on EMI Martinez left leg at the dying minute of extra time 12) Then FIFA told K.Coman to place his penalty kick on Martinez hands and told Tchouameni to miss his penalty

[@jerrymcallister]

I love to see Ali squirm when he realizes Messi and Argentina are progressing

[@sports_monk]

Messi has direct involvement in Argentina's only goal how come he can't be productive ?

[@seanstevenson9891]

The pitches have been abysmal in this Copa America. It affects the teams that rely on skillful play the most. Throwing grass atop artificial turf doesn't cut it. An F grade for the host country.

[@spitfire9610]

Literally we played 10 person game with Ecuador 🇪🇨 Messi didn’t help Argentina at all we still won 🥇 y’all sad bye ronaldo we don’t cry here like you did

[@finbarrcorcoran9342]

Football is ruthless,when you're injured you're out.

[@meshal.666]

It’s the harsh reality If my lovely sport car is damaged I rent a new car until it’s fixed

[@mangloreanwithabeard]

Dude thought he will shine by hitting a Peneneka after Ronaldo's miss 😂😂😂

[@porfiriomunoz3675]

Let’s not exaggerate how “terrible” Messi was. Very poor [by his standards]. But not objectively terrible. Decent game by an injured guy. The rest of the team was terrible. Accept for Dibu

[@CBK06]

I had no idea that Messi would be none influential or that his teammates would be below par in this match but I always had a feeling that Ecuador was really going to be a difficult opponent. Dismissing Argentina's awfulness kudos to Ecuador! I wonder how Lionel Scaloni would have felt if we had lost while having Di Maria on the bench and Nico Gonzalez is yet to prove why he was picked ahead of Paulo Dybala. I really hope this match was a wake up call for Argentina.

[@minivanguard]

I'm not sure if ALI and the rest has hallucinations just based on one game you guys change your opinions . Pls remember Messi presence is 50% game won as teams dare to attack at full potential, Messi attempted a Pineka but missed if that would have gone in you guys would have made a different statement altogether....it just that he had a bad day and someone like Messi is also allowed and not be judged

[@LeonRouge-tw5cm]

Both teams played very well 🇦🇷 🇪🇨

[@sharjesm]

Messi should be subbed in if required in the semis. And he and Di Maria start the final (assuming they win semis).

[@vbshashimath]

Whenever espn tries to slam messi he plays better this will age like a fine wine i can really sense that😂

[@forever_fly9506]

MESSI Fans can’t accept he is not at the same level he used to be and it’s sad!

[@ReeyosSohtun]

We accepted and we don't care about that cause he completed football 😅😅

[@gigidawide6033]

Messi is playing with injury and he still amazing. The amount of chances he creates

[@gipsytree]

Rest Messi for the semi. Bring him on if needed simple....it's Canada

[@gony322]

NEVER do not compare Messi with penaldo Messi is Messi best player in football history❤❤

[@LoanSSev]

1 bad game they started to doubt him.

[@clinchknot8224]

Whether Messi decides to play full strength is based on who they're going to face. There's no more "We should do it for Messi", so their mental intensity has decreased and Scaloni is currently building a team for the future. Now everybody else has to step up

[@shaquillethomas1544]

I tell them that,he is building a team for the future

[@Tony_Sab]

4:52 that is an awful take messi won every pott award in all the finals he lost he just didnt have the team behind him

[@rmathur00]

Give 60 minutes to Di Maria and sub him for Messi against Canada. All things will be managed.

[@rshehi]

Taking away any bias I have towards Messi (he is unquestionably the GOAT), the problem I have with this "analysis", even a 50% Messi is still better than most alternatives that Argentina has, bc he will still demand defensive attention thus creating space for others, he will still help you with ball retention, he still has the capacity for magic (create something out of nothing). So, no you cant compare Argentina/Messi situation with that of Portugal/CR7.

[@claudus12]

They act like messi not coming back from being hurt

[@judistzoinkiski3395]

He still hurt tho.

[@crazechill1]

Acting like Messi didn't have the choice to rest up and get fit for the Semis. Not like the team need him, even on penalties.

[@Gfresh844]

@@crazechill1 Of course they need him. There's anything but a guarantee they would have won without him, given Ecuador (as they showed) are in no way a pushover. It was his corner also that led to Argentina's goal.

[@sahelsalamtenor7610]

@@Gfresh844Yeah, why are people ignoring that? Even injured, he contributes at least as much as anyone else.

[@princewhitely7981]

This lineup was an experiment for Argentina but could have cost them the tournament now the coach will fix this and he will start the very best squad to win the tournament

[@johnprakash4032]

Messi should be rested for the semis and play in the finals or bring as a substitute if Argentina needed in the semis.

[@lukaskok364]

minute of silence for people who doubt that Messi and Argentina will win Copa America again... First time Messi was saved by more then one teamate in the history of Lionel Messi... And now he is gone finish Canada and then Uruguay/Columbia in the final... And btw. Messi played bad becose the team passed to him 30 times, not 70 as they should, and he was not 100% fit, and was thinking more not to get injured again,becose of the next games...

[@jn7891]

Messi is not playing great. But like CR7 you gotta let him play if he can because he can change a game.

[@gerardkhachaturyan4814]

To find out, bring a large Ayrton Senna poster (or Alain Prost for better results) and show it when Argentina plays.

[@daluxolomaphosa8453]

This guys are correct if messi is still injured play di Maria pls

[@tonytravert9944]

OK let's not panic. He had an off day YET still delivered that pinpoint corner to an already worked out set piece. He's NOT Ronaldo, and NOT bagging Ronaldo, but Ronaldo doesn't contribute to his team. He waits till someone gives it to him. Messi does contribute and all you need from him is one pass to get you in a scoring chance and Champions know how to win, even if it's ugly and that was ugly, other than Emis heroics! When Messi was walking up to take the penalty, I was more worried that he was going to miss it, like Ronaldo missed that penalty earlier, than score it. I think I sent him bad vibes all the way from Australia. Sorry Leo, I won't do that again!

[@briaf3370]

Great analysis. These guys know their stuff.

[@utuba-dt3xm]

These pundits just spew nonsense most of the time - Argentina won the game and played a very solid side

[@footballempire2487]

Any pundits in the world can’t predict messi how he play, you guys said today he didn’t play well the tomorrow you guys say he is in best form 😂😂😂😂what kind predictions that is ?

[@TheCoolman1977]

They just change narratives time to time, they will tweak their opinions again, just mindless analysts.

[@sourasismahato4334]

One bad game and they starts comparing him to Ronaldo.

[@adrialkumar3782]

Messi should step up Caz dis could be his last tournament 🏆😢

[@shivanshuroy6992]

Vamos Argentina 🇦🇷

[@ultimatem3261]

These guys have something to talk about and that helps them keep their job. Let’s see how Messi performs in the next game but you need to give him the right players on the pitch. Enzo is a selfish player and he showed that twice so far.

[@sebastianalegria3401]

Playing like that is not enough for Argentina and especially, for Lio Messi as they didn't have a good performance in their last match in quarter-finals although they beat Ecuador on penalties. Therefore, Argentinian team need to fix many things before facing Canada in semi-finals.

[@user-ob4zs8hv6r]

Dude one bad game doesn't define him