A Super eagle win today could send a big wave of retirement through the Argentina national team. Lionel Messi has been a pillar and inspiration for the national team for a while but i think it will be time to call it quit now if they are not able to take advantage of the lifeline handed to them by the Super Eagles after beating Iceland 2 – 0.
The crack in the wall of the Argentina’s team is well exposed at this world more than ever before. The crack which has been paper patched for a long time by the successful and talented Lionel Messi.
Argentina golden generation team have failed to deliver time and time again, they have not been impressive in this tournament either even with Messi who many regarded as the best player on the planet.
Lionel Messi 31, will be 35 by next world cup and i don’t think he would wait around till then, he will definitely call it quit if they fail to overcome the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Lionel Messi has not played well in the last two matches, he lost a penalty in the opening game and was just a shadow of his Barcelona self in the second match which they lost 3 – 0. Lionel Messi doesnt seem able to function properly away from his Barcelona team, if you can recall that Messi did not score a single goal in 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Lucas BIGLIA Age: 32 – 36 by next world cup, new talent would push him out even if he decides to hand around.
Nicolas OTAMENDI Age: 30 – Otamendi’s form is erratic anyway so him been around for the next world cup is highly unlikely. He will be 34 by the time next world cup comes around.
Federico FAZIO Age: 31 – Will be 35 by next world cup and will also join the retirement band wagon.
Cristian ANSALDI Age: 31 – Christian, same as Federico will be 35 by the time next world cup comes around, he will be too old and there will be no need to hang around. He will join the mass retirement bandwagon.
Gabriel MERCADO Age: 31 – Gabriel also will be 35 by next world cup which means retirement after the match if the result did not go their way.
Wilfredo CABALLERO Age: 36 – Caballero will be 40 years of old by the next world cup. although we have seen other older goalkeeper at the world cup and presently is the sensational Egypt goalkeeper, Essam El Hadary wbo was 45 year and 161 days old when he featured for Egypt against Saudi Arabia. Caballero’s performance is less than desirable so retirement is his best option.
Argentina national team is full of great talents, every position in the team is an established super star but playing together is a major issue coupled with the fact that their talisman Messi hardly function away from New camp. He has never really set alight any international tournament in his national colours.
Roberto Martinez, Belgium head coach says “international football does not respect talent but a team” Argentina has talents in abundance but a team doesn’t seem to exist as yet at this tournament.