Argentina no longer a very Messi problem

Published by adam | Filed under Copa America, Football (aka soccer)

Messi shines as he shrugs off defenders

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Although Argentina were playing an under matched Costa Rica Monday night, the Albicelestes looked as though they finally found their chemistry. Argentina tore apart Costa Rica beating them 3-0 at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in the most lopsided game of the tournament thus far. Sergio Batista, the Argentina coach, wants to emulate the Barcelona style of football, and even though Argentina is nowhere near the same level as Barcelona, against Costa Rica, they played some fun to watch and free flowing football.

Messi who has been harshly criticized throughout this year’s Copa America, was absolutely superb against Costa Rica making many critics bite their tongue. Yes, Messi is able to play and shine without Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta holding his hand. He played the number 10, and played it to perfection. He did not score, but was involved in all three goals and directly assisted two them. His vision was remarkable, he was completely unselfish, and although he often went on long dribbling runs beating 3 or 4 players he almost never lost the ball.


Batista once again did not include Tevez in the starting lineup as when he first took charge. Tevez, to be honest, does not fit into the system. Batista didn’t bow to public opinion, and did what he should have done from the start of the tournament in leaving Teves on the bench. No doubt Teves is a great player, he just doesn’t fit into Argentina’s style.





Instead, Gonzalo Higuain started at center forward with Sergio Aguero on the left, and Messi in a free roaming role. Messi often started on the right and drifted into the middle, albeit after dribbling three or four players. Often, when Messi shifted to the middle, Higuain would move out right giving the Albicelestes balance up front. Even though Higuain could or should have scored 2 or 3 goals himself, he played his role well nonetheless. Sergio Aguero, aka Super Kun, or the son-in-law of Maradona was brilliant on the night. He scored two of the goals and beat players down the left flank all night, scampering by them with his low center of gravity and large super-human calves.


Of course, this was the first time Argentina played close to their potential, but this is a perfect time to hit form as they head into the quarterfinals where they will be tested. With Uruguay beating Mexico 1-0, Argentina will face-off against La Celeste on Saturday the 16th at 19:15pm (GMT), in what should be an extremely entertaining match.