Ahead of Argentina's crucial qualifier today, under-fire striker receives support from 1978 world Cup-winning captain Cesar Menotti
Ahead of Argentina's crucial qualifier today, under-fire striker receives support from 1978 world Cup-winning captain Cesar Menotti
ADVERTISEMENT
 |
|
Troubled Times: Argentina striker Lionel Messi |
Different roles
The veteran trainer, who led the Albiceleste to World Cup glory in 1978, thinks that blaming the diminutive Blaugrana forward is unacceptable because of his differing roles with club and country.
Despite helping Argentina to a crucial win at the weekend, Messi was again highlighted as under-performing, and that has drawn Menotti's ire.
"Argentina do not yet have a functioning team. They have not had the time to find that unity and team play," he told Sport.
"That is completely different from the way that Messi does things with Barcelona. He started at the club, then was on the bench and then began to play for a few minutes before claiming a regular place.
"Messi is not responsible for the strategy at Barcelona. That is [Andres] Iniesta, Xavi and [Yaya] Toure.
"Messi is the one that completes the moves.
"When it comes to Argentina they expect Messi to cope with he strategy of the team, to create goals and score them, to do everything.
"The team runs around a lot because they play badly. There they need to run more. But this is a football team, not a marathon club. Messi plays for Barcelona, but with Argentina he runs."
"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels 
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
