By: Samuel Lin
In the Qatar 2022 World Cup, Argentina recovered from a heart-breaking Game 1 loss, winning all of their games since. Lionel Messi, a longtime star player, has been integral to the team’s success, and he keeps Argentina’s hopes for winning the 2022 World Cup alive.
On Tuesday, November 22nd, Messi's Argentina squared off against Saudi Arabia in the Lusail Stadium. This was expected to be an easy win for #3 Argentina, which had not lost for 36 games; they were playing a team ranked #51.
During the game, Argentina outplayed Saudi Arabia and had lots of chances, but Messi was only able to put one in the back of the net. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia caught Argentina off guard by scoring two back-to-back goals, putting them in the lead and giving them the win.
Walking into the locker room, Messi told his teammates to unite. "It is a very hard blow for everyone; we did not expect to start this way,” Messi told reporters after the game. “There are no excuses. We are going to be more united than ever. This group is strong, and we have shown it. It is a situation that we haven't gone through in a long time. Now we have to show that this is a real group.”
In the next game against Australia, Argentina was ready to fight tooth and nail, fueled by their previous loss. In the 64th minute, Messi scored a goal from 25 yards out, beyond the reach of the goalkeeper. To seal the win, Messi assisted his teammate Enzo Fernandez who curled the ball into the back of the net.
As Argentina walked into the stadium to play their final team Poland, Messi and his teammates knew it was a win or go home situation. Playing his hardest, Messi was awarded a free kick and had a chance to tie the game. Unfortunately, Messi missed the free kick that would’ve put them in the lead. Instead, his teammates Alexis Mac Allister and Julián Álvarez were able to score to put Argentina in the knockout rounds.
In the knockout rounds, Argentina faced Australia on Saturday, December 3rd, in Messi’s 1000th career game. Messi scored an absolute banger in the 35th minute, assisted by Otemendi and hitting the ball in the bottom left corner. Julián Álvarez scored in the 57th minute to help Argentina win 2-1.
Argentina, now in the quarterfinals, is a formidable opponent for the Netherlands and teams to come. Argentina is a team that shows tenacity and can rebound off of disappointing losses. Messi, who has scored 3 goals in 4 World Cup matches so far, is ready to win in his final world cup.
"We are eager, we are going to fight, we are not afraid of anyone because we are ready to play against anyone, but with peace of mind,” Messi said.
Many people agree that whether Messi wins the World Cup or not, he is still the GOAT of soccer.
“He is one of a kind. Obviously, having him in the team is a privilege and I’ll help him and the whole team bring joy to Argentina,” said fellow teammate Julian Alvarez. “He leads the group in a great way and this was reflected before the final [of the Copa America]. He said some amazing words. Being there you realize that he is a really normal person, he is a great person and a great captain."
“Messi is indeed the best player in the universe,” said another soccer fan. “We are glad to be watching the GOAT OF FOOTBALL,” said a soccer fan.
Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/26/sports/soccer/messi-argentina-mexico.html
https://www.espn.com/soccer/argentina-arg/story/4810039/argentina-lionel-messi-no-excuses-for-shock-saudi-arabia-defeat
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/argentina-fear-no-one-world-cup-says-messi-2022-10-21/