Grading Lionel Messi’s Performance for Argentina vs Venezuela

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: March 23, 2013

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As Argentina took on Venezuela in World Cup qualification on Friday night, all eyes were once more on captain Lionel Messi to inspire the Albiceleste to victory in the Estadio Monumental. The No. 10 did not disappoint.

The times of Messi "not performing" for his country, although a somewhat unfair accusation, are now consigned to the distant past.

Following a goal late in the first half, the Barcelona man lapped up the adulation of the home crowd in Buenos Aires—a clear sign that the mistrust towards him is no longer prevalent.

Since Messi was installed as captain of his country in September 2011, his performance levels on the international scene have notably improved. With additional responsibility and a more balanced team around him, the Argentine audience is now finally seeing his very best side.

On Friday night, he was exemplary once more. Right from the opening minutes, when he drifted infield from his starting position and fired a testing shot at goal, it was clear that he was in determined mood.

By the time that half-time came around, Argentina knew that they had the game sewn up, and it was largely due to the wonderful abilities of the little maestro.

A wonderful, quick, one-touch build-up had enabled Gonzalo Higuain to score the side's opening goal midway through the first half, and, as ever, Messi was the key figure in the move

While the movement and general passing of his colleagues had been good, it was the perfectly weighted first time ball of the Barcelona man that eventually presented Higuain with the opportunity. His colleague made no mistake.

Then in the final moments of the half, it was Messi who forced defender Gabriel Cichero into a rash handball. From the spot, he then delivered with his usual precision.



After the break, it was more of the same story. Having forced another fine save from goalkeeper Daniel Hernandez, he would ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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