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Updated August 8th, 2018 at 17:33 IST

WORLD CUP 2018: Will the 'Leader' Lionel Messi please stand up

Messi has been absolutely anonymous in the two matches, and has not even performed 1 per cent of his potential

Reported by: Narayan R
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Lionel Messi and Argentina are going through an all-time low right now. Following their 3-0 thrashing in the hands of Croatia, their campaign in World Cup 2018 looks all set to end. Only a miracle can save them, and guide them to next round.

It hasn't just been the results, but it has been the level of performance which has been pathetic. Their first match was a 1-1 draw against Iceland, and it all happened due to the lethargic display on the field.

And in the humiliating defeat to Croatia, it seemed Argentina never showed up. They looked lost against a spirited Croatian team. 

Much of the blame for the two results should go towards head coach Jorge Sampaoli. He is the man charged with leading the team to glory. The 58-year-old has many world class players at his disposal.

Yet, his team selection, and player management has been horrific so far. For some reason, he decided not to start with Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala in both the matches. And the results are right in front of him. Just one goal, and hardly any chances created.

But let's leave Sampaoli aside for a moment, and look at another individual who deserves to share the blame for his team's struggles.

Messi has been absolutely anonymous in the two matches, and has not even performed 1 per cent of his potential. He is arguably the greatest player of all time, but his performance this tournament wouldn't warrant him a place in a school team.

READ: WORLD CUP 2018: 'Invisible' Lionel Messi, 'Pathetic' Argentina Suffer Humiliation

Yet, it's not his displays, but his leadership which needs to be questioned!

The soon to be 31-year-old has been the skipper of the national team since 2011. While he isn't known to be a type of player who is vocal, his failure to inspire the team is far from normal.

A leader can change the morale of the team on his own. In the past, captain's like Carles Puyol, Roy Keane, Patrick Viera and Steven Gerrard led their team from the front. Even when everything seemed lost, they took charge, and raised the performance level of the other players.

But Messi has done nothing of that sorts. He is not just the skipper of his nation, but also the best player, someone who is looked upon by the rest of the squad. Against Croatia, when everything seemed dull, the team would have looked up to Messi. But he stood still there, looking clueless himself!

READ: WORLD CUP 2018: FIFA Issues Strong Statement About Portugal-Morocco Referee

Argentina's struggles isn't down to Messi. That'd be wrong and foolish to say. But there is no denying, Messi as a leader needs to stand up, and take charge if things are to change.

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Published June 22nd, 2018 at 16:45 IST

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