Remember this image of Lionel Messi 2014 staring at the world cup. To be I was not yet introduced to the world of football yet.
At that time I could never understand the sense or magnitude of how important this competition was but now I do. It is more important than a Ballon D’Or. It is more important than a Champions League. Heck its even more important than individual performances. But, looking back at this image now it feels like a blessing in disguise. We could enjoy both the goats of football even more in their prime.
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Lionel Messi and Argentina reached the final against Germany
In the first half of the 2014 World Cup final between Germany and Argentina, the match was evenly matched with both teams creating chances but failing to score. Argentina’s Gonzalo Higuain missed a clear opportunity and had a goal disallowed for offside. Germany’s Benedikt Höwedes hit the post with a header just before halftime. Notably, Germany had to make a substitution due to an injury to Sami Khedira before the match, replaced by Christoph Kramer, who later suffered a head injury and was substituted by André Schürrle.
In the second half and extra time, both teams continued to press for a goal but struggled to break the deadlock. Lionel Messi missed a crucial chance for Argentina early in the second half.
The match went to extra time, and in the 113th minute, Mario Götze, a substitute came on and boom !!!, scored the winning goal for Germany off an assist from Schürrle. This goal secured Germany’s fourth World Cup title, and they became the first European team to win a World Cup in the Americas.
The formation of MSN
Barcelona was not doing great in the La Liga as well so they bought the best striker at that time Luis Suarez. And oh boy their partnership did bring in the resurgence of the club. The trio went on to bag in the treble next season for Barcelona.
A great example of chemistry on and off the pitch. El Classico was also a different beast at that time where football relied more on formation system less on responsibility so I can say that era might be the last time we saw dynamic football. Nowadays its more direct, combative and less and less technical play style as a whole. I still remember the days when Barcelona dunked on PSG 6-1 I was in collage and my hostel went into celebration mode at 3 AM in the morning. I personally don’t think this would have been the case had Lionel Messi won the world cup.
Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo
Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo is a rivalry I don’t need to define. I love both these players and to be true I was introduced to Real Madrid when I started watching football then gravitated towards FC Barcelona when I watched their play style. I love both these players and won’t get into who is better but I love them. Both are characters to watch and learn from. One is a monster at work rate another is the devil of intelligence. I hold the following opinion and provided if both of them didn’t push each other, we would not have seen football peak.
Lionel Messi and Argentina vs France in 2018 world cup
The Argentinian team again choked in the 2018 world cup that ensured Lionel Messi doesn’t vegitate in the MLS.
In the first half of the 2018 World Cup Round of 16 match between Argentina and France, France took an early lead with Antoine Griezmann scoring from a penalty kick at the 11th minute, following a foul drawn by Kylian Mbappe. Argentina responded with Angel Di Maria equalizing in the 41st minute with a long-range goal. The half was marked by physical play, leading to three yellow cards for Argentina. France had the upper hand in terms of shots on goal, but both teams managed to score once.
The second half saw a flurry of goals and intense action. Argentina briefly took the lead in the 48th minute with a goal from Gabriel Mercado, redirecting a shot from Messi. France then made a comeback with Benjamin Pavard scoring a stunning goal to equalize in the 57th minute. Kylian Mbappe then put France ahead with two quick goals in the 64th and 68th minutes. Argentina made substitutions to try to turn the tide, including bringing on Sergio Aguero, who scored in the 93rd minute, but it wasn’t enough to overcome France’s lead. France eventually won the match 4-3, eliminating Argentina from the tournament.
Conclusion
I really am of the opinion that these events triggered and ensured that Lionel Messi play his peak football for a few more years before retiring else from 2014 to 2023 the events that we were able to witness in club and international football the magic would have been lost. I am still of the opinion the Classico has lost its charm from what it used to be 5-10 years back. So has club football as well.