Messi solves the Argentina puzzle

GBNEWS24DESK//

Prior to the Qatar World Cup, Lionel Andres Messi had all but conquered everything for his country and the clubs he represented – prestigious titles, individual awards, accolades from teammates, opponents, and critics alike.

Going back to 2021, right after he led Argentina to end a 28-year Copa America title drought, in unfortunate circumstances, in a move that was beyond his control, he had to leave his comfort zone and boyhood club Barcelona in tears.

The move to Paris, where he struggled to find his footing in the first season, was seen as a lesser stage for a player of his calibre since the French League is not regarded on the same level as the Spanish, English or Italian leagues.

His status as the greatest Barcelona player in history and as one of the greatest players of all time was never in question. The way he developed facets of his game and conducted himself on and off the pitch made him an unanimously loved player all over the world.

However, when it came to the Argentines, Messi had always received a mixed bag, largely due to the fact that the Albiceleste had not won the FIFA World Cup since 1986 – one that had immortalised Diego Maradona — and thus the burden to acquire the third star in the sky blue and white shirt was passed to Messi after a star-studded Argentina side fell short in 2006 World Cup, where he made his debut at the Greatest Show on Earth.