Before the World Cup started, there has been talk of a clash between the two South American giants of international football: Brazil vs Argentina. Specifically, between their two number 10s, both of whom play for Barcelona. Neymar and Messi have both had decent World Cups so far, which has prompted a fantasy debate of Neymar vs Messi. Specifically, in terms of who will have a better World Cup. In addition, many have speculated what could happen if they clashed in the final at the Maracana.
Both individuals have had star turns in their outings so far for their national sides. Brazil’s star Neymar has contributed four goals in four games, while Argentina’s centre-forward (and best player in the world— sorry Ronaldo fans) has also managed the same goal tally for La Albiceleste.
Despite both players scoring four for their teams, one could argue that we have yet to see the absolute best from either player. These players have definitely had some magical moments, but one could demand higher expectations from such exceptional talents, since neither man has gone out and dominated a game.
Neymar has done brilliantly considering the lack of attacking talent surrounding him. The star man is often stranded on the left wing, with Fred doing an underwhelming job of holding up the ball, while Hulk, on the opposite wing, has been far from incredible.
This World Cup was a stark contrast to the Confederations Cup last year where Fred was very reliable and Hulk was a massive presence on the opposite wing. Their attack dismantled Spain last year- the greatest team our generation has seen. Now, they can barely beat Chile, and could not score a single goal against a fragile Mexican defence.
Therefore it has been up to Neymar to carry the attack at times, which must be a huge burden on his shoulders considering: a) He has been largely disappointing for Barcelona, especially when Messi was injured and he had to become the club’s star man; b) He is Brazil’s star player, nobody else; c) and his team are expected to win the World Cup.
Should Neymar have played in the rest of the group stage? In the opener, his violent elbow to Croatian midfielder Luka Modric warranted a red card. While his goal from the penalty, for Fred’s dive, should never have happened. Correction, none of his four goals should have happened. Furthermore, even though he has put in a lot of effort, his level of performance could be better in terms of his passing and dribbling. He can certainly improve on that side of the game, if he is fit enough to play against Colombia.
However, those nagging issues aside, Neymar has worked incredibly hard for the national side, and without his clever penalty against Chile, the Brazilians might have been heading for the exit.
Messi, has undoubtedly produced some magical moments so far in this magnificent World Cup. Three of his four goals have been what could only be described as other-worldly. The winners against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran featured some incredible skill leading up to wonderful strikes, whilst his free-kick against Nigeria was extraordinary.
The best player in the world is certainly having a better World Cup than his dismal appearance in South Africa four years ago. Yet, even though he has conjured up some inspirational pieces of footballing genius, Messi has not exactly been dominant in a positive way.
If Messi failed to score in either the Bosnia-Herzegovina or Iran game, then one could label his performances as woeful. He contributed nothing outside of his goals— he was too selfish in lame attempts to find space and his passing game made a side coached by Sam Allardyce look like the masters of tiki-taka. His performance against Nigeria was better, but one cannot help but expect more from a player called the best in the world.
Thankfully for Messi, the Argentinians will continue to have a strong run-in. They will have to face Switzerland in the last 16, followed then by facing either Belgium or the United States in the quarter final—neither of these sides actually give Argentina a challenge on paper. If Argentina had stronger opponents, like the Netherlands (both sides will get to the semis), at an earlier stage of the tournament, would Messi have such a starring role?
With that all being said, Messi could improve, if they continue to play a 4-3-3 with Messi at the centre or a 4-4-2 with Messi partnering Gonzalo Higuain—miles better than the tame Sergio Aguero.
Neymar vs Messi then? What would happen if they were to compete in the final? The problem is the “if” scenario here, because it is a huge “if.” Brazil have looked underwhelming against some opposition which should not be much of a challenge in Mexico and Chile and any fan could be forgiven for believing that Colombia could knock them out in the next round. If Brazil survive the James Rodriguez (the best player in the tournament so far) lead side, they will probably face France or Germany in the semis, which could be one test too far for the team in yellow.
Meanwhile, Argentina have yet to be tested, and if they were to meet Netherlands in the semi-finals, then Messi and Co. could fail to reach yet another final. Netherlands have definitely looked like one of the teams to beat in the tournament with their 5-1 demolition of current World Champions Spain being an early highlight for this World Cup.
Neymar vs Messi is something that probably will not happen in the final. They could meet in the third-place play-off where nothing is on the line and just the pride of the players, and even if that was the scenario to happen then one would expect Neymar to take centre stage for one last time in this historic World Cup. Neymar has been the better of the players all things considering and he deserves something for his efforts—just don’t expect that to be the World Cup trophy.
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