5 things Argentina need to do to get back to the top

#2 Dealing with the Lionel Messi dilemma

How to Maximise Lionel Messi's Impact?

When the next World Cup arrives, Lionel Messi will be 35 years old. This may look bad, but it could be a blessing in disguise. Currently, Argentina looks for Messi to solve their problems, when in possession.

This simply doesn't work since Lionel Messi is usually guarded by opponent players, and Argentina aren't prepared to think differently. This was noticeable in the match against France, as even Sampoali said that Argentina’s game plan was to get the ball to Lionel Messi, higher up the field.

Surely Argentina won't expect a 35-year-old Lionel Messi to solve their problems, and look for things which don't always involve Leo. Moreover, Leo would’ve certainly dropped deep, and is likely to become a complete midfielder as he ages.

Lionel Messi is perhaps the most creative player in the world, and Argentina could use it well by playing Leo permanently in the Midfield. Argentina shouldn’t wait for Leo to get old, and start deploying Leo as a permanent midfielder in their matches, to prepare for the future.

This way they could use his creative skills to feed the attack- which is the next factor, and one more than capable of being world class.