Under the spotlight: Why magic man Messi can take Argentina to World Cup glory
Argentina are on the cusp of World Cup glory – and superstar Lionel Messi is the man with the magic that can get La Albiceleste across the line.
Even at 35 years old, the little genius has been at his electrifying best in Qatar and is now one game away from claiming the only prize that has eluded him in his illustrious career.
Messi was at this golden stage once before, in 2014, but Germany instead lifted the trophy courtesy of an extra-time goal by Mario Gotze.
With all eyes on the final, we use the Twenty3 Toolbox to analyse how Messi can finally bring the World Cup back to Argentina.
End product
Messi may not have met his illustrious standards in his first season in Ligue 1, but this term he has netted seven times in just 13 league outings.
And he has carried that goalscoring form into this tournament, scoring five goals – level with Kylian Mbappe at the head of the golden boot race.
Three of them have been penalties but the two from open play were textbook Messi, shifting the ball onto his left foot and placing it in the corner.
If Argentina are to win the final, Messi’s goalscoring threat is likely to play a part.
Creative genius
Messi has also been at his creative best during this World Cup, providing three assists so far – Nahuel Molina is the only other Argentina player to have recorded one.
Against Croatia, he conjured up an all-time great assist. He toyed with Josko Gvardiol – one of the best young defenders in the world – twisting and turning before cutting back to Julian Alvarez, who tapped home.
Messi has been constantly looking to pick opposition defensive structures apart at this tournament, attempting 14 through balls – the most in the Argentina squad.
Catch him if you can
When Messi sets off with the ball at his feet, there are not many players in the world that can stop him.
He has attempted a staggering 59 dribbles this World Cup (completing 31), the most of any Argentina player and 17 ahead of Angel Di Maria (42), who ranks second.
Messi also carries his team up the pitch with these dribbles, producing an impressive 29 progressive runs this tournament – another squad-leading total.
Locked on
The more Messi is involved in the final third, the better for Argentina.
A significant factor in La Albiceleste’s run to the final is the frequency with which Messi has seen the ball in advanced areas.
As a result, Messi has attempted 27 shots at the World Cup, which works out at 3.74 shots per game.
This is the most in the Argentina squad, more than double the total of Julian Alvarez (11) who ranks second.
Sustainable productivity
Messi’s incredible run of form may seem unsustainable – but the underlying numbers suggest that is not the case.
The Argentina captain’s five goals have come from 5.62 xG – if he continues shooting at the same rate from the same positions, more goals are likely to follow.
The four penalties Messi has taken should be taken into account, however – they provide a significant boost to his xG tally.
Messi himself will not care if he scores from open play or the spot – as long as he can earn Argentina their third World Cup title.
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