2014 World Cup - Final frontier for Lionel Messi

The world’s best player from Rosario, Argentina who has captivated the world with his phenomenal goal scoring and dribbling ability- Lionel Messi. The 5″7 Argentine was in the news when he scored an unbelievable goal dribbling past 6 Getafe Players, reminding the world of Diego Maradona‘s 1986 heroic goal against England in the world cup. People of Catalonia were amazed to see the talent of this young magician and his moment of pride came when he overtook Ronaldinho as Barca’s successor.

Messi has had success both on and off the field, he has led Barca to Spanish titles and excelled even in the Champions League. Lionel Messi has made numerous records playing for Barcelona and collected his first major award in 2009 – Ballon d’Or. He continued displaying his amazing skills, getting better every season, collecting Ballon d’Or annually (2009-2012) and hence, establishing himself as the world’s best player. So, having won so much and being compared to the legends of the game like Pele, Maradona, Di Stefeno, etc, what does this brilliant star forward need to further achieve to go down in history as the world’s greatest player ever?

World Cup For Argentina!

No matter how many records or how many individual awards you get, Pele and Maradona – Two of the greatest players ever, led Brazil and Argentina to World Cup honours. Messi is just 25 but the expectations from his fans are immense!

A disappointing 2010 World Cup campaign, followed by another 2011 Copa America failure urged the critics to put a red mark against the little Argentine. “Why can’t the boy play the same for his national side like he plays in Barcelona?”

Is it the quality of players who fail to make the maximum utilization of Messi? Is it the poor defence of Argentina to be blame? Is it Messi’s own inability to play to his potential?

The answer is both yes and no!

When Messi scores a goal for Barca, the defence makes the most of that Messi goal. When Messi isn’t at his best, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and others contribute to make up for Barcelona. Messi hardly plays an average game for Barcelona.

2012 – A big success for Messi in national colours!

He proved his critics wrong and scored 12 national goals for Argentina including 3 Hattricks(against Brazil, Switzerland and Ecuador). Only Zlatan Ibrahimovic came close to his 12 goals last year, with 11 goals against the Swede’s name. Messi ended 2012 as the highest goal scorer for any national side. Leo reminded the world that the curse is over and he is as good for Argentina as he is for his club.

So, with club records, great form in the national side and being matured, is Messi ready for his final frontier?

2014 World Cup in his own continent!

Messi needs to win a World Cup for Argentina in order to cement his place as the world’s greatest player. Can the wizard achieve this monumental task?

Messi is the most consistent player and with the recent goal scoring spree for Argentina, there’re no doubts as to why he cannot lead his team for World Cup Glory. Messi has a strong attacking team with the likes of Di Maria, Higuain, Tevez and Aguero.

But it’s the defence which is the real problem. Argentina will go down in the 2014 World Cup as one of the favourites. Perhaps Spain, Germany, Italy and Brazil will be their toughest opposition. Messi must ensure that his goal scoring ability doesn’t dry during this phase. With little improvement in the defence and a bit of luck in crucial games, Messi can guide Argentina to witness the sight that they last saw in 1986.

Having achieved everything for his club side, which makes him one of the best players of all time, Messi needs to bring the biggest glory – The World Cup, back to Argentina. If he can achieve this monumental task, he will surely be remembered as the world’s greatest player!