The argument for Lionel Messi’s fairytale farewell: Why Argentina could win 2022 World Cup
None of the remaining four contenders for the 2022 World Cup (opens in new tab) title feels as destined for glory as Argentina.
The Albiceleste may not have won international football’s biggest trophy since 1986, but the inspired form of the great Lionel Messi in his last World Cup leads many to believe the long wait will soon be over.
One of the world’s most passionate football crowds is desperate for their idol to take the one major honor still missing from its mantelpiece – and take Argentina to the top of the world for the first time since the legendary Diego Maradona-led campaign from 36 years ago.
From the evidence we’ve seen so far, there’s a good chance the South Americans will do it – and give Messi the ultimate farewell. This is why…
The Messi Factor
Leaving aside the context that this is Messi’s final World Cup, the 35-year-old’s groundbreaking form in Qatar alone is enough to make them major contenders.
The PSG star no longer has the legs he used to have, but his brain still sees things much faster than mere mortals and his feet can still execute that vision to perfection.
Messi has been a highlight of this tournament for years: his stunning goal against Mexico when Argentina needed him most, his eye-of-the-needle finish against Australia and his no-look assist against the Netherlands. (opens in new tab)
Since the shock opening defeat to Saudi Arabia, Lionel Scaloni has formed a hard-working squad around Messi that brings out the best in their superstardom.
Messi leads the World Cup for shots (25), he is second for goals (4) and chances created (16) and he is fourth for assists (2) and dribbles completed (11). He uses the opportunity in a major way.
Fate is on their side
It is Messi’s last chance to win the World Cup – the only major honor missing from a career that has seen him win seven Ballon d’Ors, four Champions Leagues, ten La Liga titles and the Copa America.
The way he has led a solid but unspectacular squad through the tournament thus far has led to inevitable comparisons to Maradona in ’86.
And the death of the Argentine great just over two years ago adds another level of emotion as the country makes a bid to win it in memory of him.
“Diego is watching us from heaven,” Messi said after the victory over the Netherlands.
“He’s pushing us and I really hope it stays that way until the end.”
There is, of course, a pressure that comes with this sense of doom – something Argentina has handled admirably so far.
They are the favourites
Argentina are the highest-ranked team remaining at the World Cup and are third in the FIFA rankings, one place ahead of France.
Nielson’s Gracenote has them as the favorites to win it, giving Scaloni’s side a 41% chance, compared to 26% for Les Bleus.
It’s easy to see why: Argentina’s shock opening-day loss to the Saudis is their only loss in their last 41 games, stretching back to July 2019.
Simply put, they shouldn’t be afraid of anyone.
Their games are like home games
Argentina is probably the best supported team left at the tournament (with the possible exception of Morocco) and their fans have created some of the best atmospheres in Qatar.
The invasion of supporters in blue and white shirts was particularly evident in the quarter-final against the Netherlands, when they vastly outnumbered the Dutch supporters, with only a few orange pockets on display.
Argentina will certainly be able to count on huge support for their remaining matches in Doha – and that could make a world of difference.
I can’t stop watching Lionel Messi’s assist. It’s a joke. #BBCWorldCup #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/5VhdGhpbSrDecember 9, 2022
Tactical flexibility and mental toughness
Scaloni has shown impressive tactical flexibility throughout the tournament, adapting both his staff and his formation to get the best out of his squad.
This refusal to stand in his way paid off, with a daring move to a back three against the Dutchman paying off – at least until the extraordinary impact of late substitute Wout Weghorst.
Scaloni has already used a 4-4-2, 4-3-3 and 3-5-2 in five games and is able and willing to adapt to the circumstances – a trait that could serve him well in the big games are coming.
And despite all the concerns about their late collapse against the Orange, where Argentina conceded twice to throw away a comfortable lead and take the game to extra time, their response can be seen as encouraging.
On the way to extra time, all the momentum was with the Orange, which had equalized with the last kick of the game after a pin in the Albiceleste in the final phase.
But Argentina managed to clear their heads and get back on their feet and finished the match stronger by hitting the post in extra time as they chased for a winner before they had the composure to come out on top the bus to get into the shoot-out.
In a stormy match that saw a record 18 yellow cards flashed, Argentina at least kept their cool enough to see the result they needed – and that will serve them well when they find themselves in another awkward position .
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