5 things Argentina need to do to win a World Cup

#5 Relieve the pressure off Messi

Messi is under constant scrutiny and pressure when playing for the national team

When Messi was awarded the 2014 World Cup Golden Ball, the decision raised a lot of eyebrows. “What about Robben, what about James?”, was the general indignant reaction that greeted the news. Irrespective of the broader question of who truly deserved it, Messi was once again cast in the villain role. There it was, a whole tournament worth of brilliance and playmaking reduced to an afterthought in the wake of the controversy.

Such is the genius of Lionel Messi, that the kind of display normal players would be celebrated for is considered an underwhelming one when Messi produces it. Make no mistake, Messi is Argentina’s best hope to replicate their success of the past.

Building a team around Messi is a straightforward decision, but restraining the temptation to blame him for everything that goes wrong isn’t.

Take all the unwanted pressure off Messi, perhaps even hand over the armband to Mascherano; then Messi might finally be freed up to do what he does best – delight us with the sheer joy he brings to the game of football.

For every minute Messi enjoys himself on the field, Argentina would be a step closer to success – and he, a step closer to firmly establishing himself as the best of all time.