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Lionel Messi Critics Miss the Mark After Argentina Defeat
Published: July 5, 2015
It had not been at all clear during the first six magical months of 2015. But in the chilly, hostile atmosphere of Santiago's Estadio Nacional, we received confirmation: Lionel Messi is human just like everyone else.
Tasked once more with dragging Argentina to victory, the captain could not produce the goods. Chile controlled Messi's movements as well as any team in the world over the last four or five years and, after a 0-0 draw, went on to take their first title on penalties to the delight of the local fans.
The comparison with the storming performance against Paraguay that put the Albiceleste in the final could not be more stark. As the graphic below demonstrates, Messi was almost a different player on Saturday. Ninety-one per cent of his passes found their target in the last four, but just over half of them against Chile.
Most damning of all, La Pulga enjoyed a paltry two touches in the opposition area. Muted barely describes his game, especially in the second half, when, the Roja, led by Jean Beausejour, all but marked him out of the game.
All but. The one occasion Messi did wriggle free was very nearly enough to win Argentina the competition. For once finding space near the centre circle, a rapid solo run left two markers in his dust, and a well-weighted ball found Ezequiel Lavezzi with Gonzalo Higuain nearing the danger zone. Higuain veered wide, however, and with that shot went the side's last real chance to win the game without the lottery of penalties.
The scene was familiar throughout this Copa America. Messi's ind...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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