When there was an exodus of many star players to Paris Saint Germain (PSG) earlier this season, former France international Thiery Henry gave PSG an eye. For him, Lionel Messi and his friends will find it difficult to win the Champions League. The reason is that the team that usually wins the Champions League is the team that has conceded the fewest goals.
Henry’s vision was born because he saw the situation of PSG’s back line which was not solid, and it did not seem to balance the strength in the front lines that were inhabited by star players like Neymar Jr. Kylan Mbappe and Lionel Messi. Henry’s watch is seen in PSG’s performance so far. It is very rare for the team from Paris to keep their goal from conceding from the opponent’s attack.
The strength of the back line is one of the important keys in the success of a team. Hence, a narrow victory is not a problem. As long as the victory can provide achievements. This situation can be seen in the Argentina national team. The appearance of the Argentina national team is very convincing so far. It is noted that Argentina is an unbeaten team from 26 matches. This statistic is supported by the strength of the Argentina back line.
The Argentina national team is known as the country’s granary striker until now. However, the Argentina national team’s back line is often a stumbling block when dealing with international tournaments. When the front line, which was commanded by Lionel Messi in recent years, was tightly locked by the opponent’s game, the back line was even more porous in blocking the opponent’s attack.
No doubt, Argentina often falls when they are in international tournaments, even though it is inhabited by several star players. The situation began to change since the Argentina national team was handled by L. Scaloni. At least, this can be seen in this year’s Copa America competition. Argentina’s back line looks solid.
In short, when the back line that still relies on Messi looks locked, the Argentina back line is so solid in maintaining the defense. The last two games are proof against Peru and Uruguay where Argentina only won 1-0 in those two matches. The Argentina national team is one of the teams that appear solid. The back line is no longer a weakness, but a strength that makes Argentina ready for the 2022 World Cup.
Argentina are unbeaten in 26 matches. A really slick record simultaneously discusses Argentina’s preparations for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Indeed, Argentina has not been declared qualified for the World Cup. The opportunity is very open when considering its position in the South American zone standings.
From this zone, only Brazil has been declared qualified. Interestingly, Argentina can ensure their qualification if they win against Brazil and one of three countries such as Colombia, Uruguay and Chile loses. Although Brazil has already qualified, the match against Argentina cannot be underestimated. This match is identical to the classic game in South America.
Both teams often appear in high intensity to maintain the integrity of each team. Argentina has a mission to follow Brazil to Qatar. Meanwhile, Brazil may try to buy time for Argentina to qualify for Qatar, simultaneously hitting the mentality of the Argentina national team.
I don’t know what the result of this match will be, but Argentina needs to prove themselves in front of their fans in San Juan, northern Argentina. Victory against Brazil will take Argentina to the 2022 World Cup. However, Argentina faces a tough mission in the match against Brazil, a team that has never lost and only won 1 draw during World Cup qualifying matches.
Lionel Messi is doubtful for this match. Injuries still haunt this PSG player. It’s better not to be demoted than forcing yourself to face a tense match. The World Cup trophy is one of the trophies that Lionel Messi has not kissed. This year, the former Barcelona player managed to lead Argentina to the Copa America champion stage.
This success raised tears of joy for Messi, while his name was recognized in Argentina. It’s no secret that Messi’s abilities are often underestimated when in uniform with the Argentina national team. However, the success in the Copa America seemed to undermine doubts in Argentina. Messi is starting to get a place like the legend Diego Maradona. Moreover, Messi appeared dominant in this year’s Copa America tournament.
In addition, the success in the Copa America seemed to provide an additional moral injection for Messi. This can be seen from the commitment of players who defend PSG. Despite being haunted by injuries with PSG before the international break, it did not close the door for him to return home and play for the Argentina national team. PSG can not just close the door to let this player go.
After all, his move clause to PSG was also included with an agreement to provide flexibility for Messi to defend the Argentina national team. Messi looks so focused with the Argentina national team. Perhaps when weighed, Messi prefers success with the A national team
ASL