Two years after the death of the legend Maradona, Argentina is preparing for the premature end of the 2022 World Cup. Hopes once again rest on Lionel Messi.
First mourning and now tragedy or redemption? Argentina with superstar Lionel Messi are facing a thrilling showdown in their second match of the World Cup group stage against Mexico (Saturday, November 26, 2022, 20:00, live in the first and streaming). Argentina hopes for a release and the possibility of reaching the round of 16, in the worst case there is the risk of a premature end to the World Cup.
sadness and the “totalizer” Messi
“We cried”, center forward Lautaro Martinez looks back on the sensational and bitter 2-1 defeat against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday (November 22, 2022). The World Cup favorite nevertheless has his own advantage against the world number 51. lost. When asked about his emotions, Messi said immediately after the match: “Dead. We never expected anything like this.”
Messi in the footsteps of Maradona
Messi, who is just two fewer World Cup appearances than Maradona (19 against 21) and is two goals behind the Argentine legend in World Cup goalscoring, looked straight ahead: “Now is the time for us to show how strong we really are.”
Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi at the 2010 World Cup.
Two years after the death of Maradona
Football legend Maradona is present at the World Cup in Qatar not only because of the permanent confrontations between Messi and Maradona. Argentina’s fateful match against Mexico takes place just one day after the second anniversary of the footballing prodigious death. “We hope we can make him happy looking at us from the sky”said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni during the pre-match press conference.
commemoration “Under the Star of Number 10”
Also on Friday, a ceremony in honor of Maradona was held in Doha. “Under the Star of Number 10” Among others, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Alejandro Dominguez (president of the South American association CONMEBOL) and numerous teammates from Maradona to Mario Kempes, from Diego Simeone to Christo Stoichkow commemorated the 1986 world champion, who died at the age 60 years old.
Messi’s muscle problems
After Tuesday’s mourning and Friday’s commemoration, Argentina now risks Saturday’s tragedy: elimination from the preliminary round of the World Cup for the first time since 2002. Fans of the “AlbicelestialIn recent days, therefore, the state of health of the already 35-year-old Messi has been verified: due to muscle problems in the sole of the foot, the 166-times international also had to consult a physiotherapist before training on Friday.
Argentina manager: “After a downpour you have to get up”
In the press conference that followed, Mr. Scaloni gave the go-ahead: “Messi is fine, physically and mentally. We need him more than ever”said the coach who led Argentina to Copa America victory in 2021 and under whom the South Americans went 36 consecutive games unbeaten before losing to Saudi Arabia: “If you get knocked down, you have to get back up. Our team is trained to get back up.”
“Mexico will be a tough opponent”
Scaloni defiantly rebutted criticisms of the pomad and inefficient performance against Saudi Arabia ahead of Mexico: “We will not change our style of play.” Striker Martinez knows opponents Mexico, who won their opening match against Poland 0-0 thanks to a penalty saved by goalkeeping legend Guillermo Ochoa: “Mexico will be a tough opponent, so keeping calm will be very important.”
Mexico’s last victory in 2004
The record speaks volumes for Argentina: more recently, the “Albicelestial” Ten times in a row not against Mexico, the last defeat was in July 2004. The match will also be for Mexico “a key game”as National coach Gerardo Martino points out: “The future of both teams depends on what happens on Saturday.”
Messi and Mexico coach Martino are not close friends
Particularly explosive: Martino is Argentinian and was coach of the South American national team between 2014 and 2016. Messi and Martino have a special bond. Both come from Rosario in northeastern Brazil. Both had a rather difficult relationship with FC Barcelona 2013/2014 and in the national team from 2014 to 2016. A new chapter, very painful for Messi in his last World Cup, could now be added on Saturday.
