Sub-Par Lionel Messi Could Only Earn Argentina a Point Against Iceland

Argentina Worries

Argentina scraped through qualifying and on today’s performance it is not difficult to see why. Iceland’s equaliser would have been cleared on four occasions at least had they been playing a more competent Argentine defence. Argentina are not among the favourites but they are expected to reach the quarter-finals or semi-finals. Taking into consideration the quality of the Croatia and Nigeria sides that are also in their group, it is not outside the realms of possibility that they do not even make it to the round of 16.

Icelandic Heroics

Argentine players like Willy Caballero, Maximiliano Meza, Ever Banega and also the entire back line are not of the required level to compete. Unlike Iceland, they do not have a style or manager capable of getting the best out of their limited players.

Iceland set up perfectly. In the first half, despite having considerably less possession, they would’ve been frustrated not to go into half-time with the lead. Gylfi Sigurdsson was often criticised at Tottenham for his lack of a high-intensity work rate. However, the midfield star was one of the hardest workers on the pitch for Iceland today. When needed, Sigurdsson provided the moment of quality. Sigurdsson fired a low cross into the box, that Argentine goalkeeper Willy Caballero could only parry into the path of Alfred Finnbogasson.

Below-Par Messi

Argentina’s style of play is primarily based around Lionel Messi. There is no debate to this. The Barcelona star flopped hard in this game. However, there isn’t a lot one can do when faced with five players everytime they are given the ball. If Argentina are to have any sort of success this tournament, more players need to run off Messi and he needs to stay within 35 yards of goal at all times.

Another issue that must be solved is that more players need to be willing to take on responsibility on the field. Lionel Messi is often lambasted in Argentina for his poor international performances. Unfortunately, this game has added a massive amount of fuel for the fire and intensified the pressure for Messi to succeed in the coming games.