The curious case of Lionel Messi and the World Cup
5-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers of all time. Messi has won it all with Barcelona, and he does it year after year. However, when it comes to the grandest stage of them all, the FIFA World Cup, he is just a shadow of himself. The biggest trophy is missing from his cabinet. Here we decode his performance.
It's now or never for Messi and his entourage
2018 World Cup could be the last for Messi. He would be 34 when the 2022 edition is held. It is no more about the Ballon d'Or or the goals he has scored, it's all about winning the golden cup. Messi has time and again failed to lead Argentina to a major trophy; losing the last World Cup final and two Copa America finals.
Never-ending Maradona comparison piling up the pressure?
Argentina are one of the most successful teams at the World Cup with two titles. They last won the World Cup in 1986 with the help of Maradona. 22 years later, the hunt is still on. Messi has drawn comparisons to the legendary Argentine Maradona. But his failure at the biggest stage remains the most prominent blotch on his career.
The goals seem to dry up at the grand stage
When it comes to club football, Messi scores goals from all-round the park. This season, as well, he finished as Europe's top scorer with 45 goals to his name. However, Messi who would be playing his 4th World Cup has five goals and three assists in 15 games. Four of those goals came in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Messi casts doubts over international football future
"It will depend on how far we go...We've just lost three finals in a row, which has led to us going through some difficult moments with the press...We have differences of opinion over what it means to make these three finals." Messi said.
Last chance to win a major trophy?
Messi's failure to win either a World Cup or the Copa America will be running on his mind as he contemplates retiring from international football. This is also the best chance for the current crop to get their hands on the top prize in world football. They are among the favorites, but do they have the nerve to go all the way?
