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Magical Lionel Messi’s Golden Cameo Jolts Argentina into Life at Copa America
Published: June 11, 2016
Messi's presence or otherwise at Chicago's Soldier Field was the big "will he, won't he?" soap opera of the week. The captain had failed to make an appearance during his nation's first outing, a tense 2-1 win over Chile, and it was suggested he was still working to get over a hefty knock to his back.
In the meantime Leo was also faced with admonitory words from another Argentina legend. Diego Maradona had opined that Messi might lack the character to lead the team, as reported by ESPN. It is true that the softly-spoken playmaker is not a natural motivator, with Javier Mascherano a much more vocal figure on the pitch.
Diego, however, led by his example as well as his words to take Argentina to the World Cup 30 years ago this month—and Messi is following the same path.
It was the opinion of this writer that Argentina, but more so Messi, would be better served limiting his playing time against a limited but hard-hitting Panama team. Coach Gerardo Martino compromised, leaving him on the bench for kick-off before easing him into the action with just over 60 minutes on the clock.
Argentina without their star would still most likely have won against the Canaleros, who had already been reduced to 10 men, but the headlines around the world would look far different on Saturday morning. Messi's entrance invigorated a lacklustre team, and the side that started to jell around its No. 10 and inspiration was unrecognisable from that which had toiled for the first hour of the game.
It had all looked so good for Martino's men in the opening stages of the Group D ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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