Saturday's Copa America opener was a perfect microcosm of Lionel Messi's entire Argentina career. He was by far their best player, playing a major part in both of their goals. He was consistently their most dangerous attacker, regularly skinning Paraguay defenders and getting into the box with ease, despite being crowded by a mass of defenders. He also missed big chances to win the game for his team, and will shoulder some of the blame for their collapse.
Lionel Messi was Argentina’s best player against Paraguay, but missed massive chances
Once again, a bad result isn’t his fault, but he could have prevented it.
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Paraguay came from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Argentina, and neither goal was the product of a terrible turnover or a busted midfield. The first was an absolute rocket by Nelson Valdez and the second came on a set piece, with Paulo da Silva playing a gorgeous knockdown header for Lucas Barrios. They were two excellent, well-deserved goals, but Argentina still got a bit unlucky. They should have been up by more by the time Valdez’s wondergoal hit the back of the net.
xG map for #ARG-#PAR. Tons of chances for #ARG to put it away, but didn't take them. Good late attacking by #PAR. pic.twitter.com/LkF9511igZ
— Michael Caley (@MC_of_A) June 13, 2015 The chances that should have been scored, but weren’t, came from Messi. They were both after dazzling runs that no one else could have made. If Messi was not the man starting the move, there would have been no chances at all.
Does anyone do this with any kind of regularity?
Oh Messi pic.twitter.com/Vt7clMqmSC
— Leo Messi (@messi10stats) June 13, 2015 Or this?
Argentina with a well-worked passing move culminating with Messi's parried shot. #ARG 2-0 #PAR 59' pic.twitter.com/likdGGA8Vn
— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) June 13, 2015 No, absolutely not, but Messi has created an unfair standard for himself. And because he hasn’t yet won a major competition with Argentina, the narrative surrounding his Albiceleste usually involves a lot of panicking after one bad result.
If Spain or Germany was in this situation, they could shrug and say bad results happened, but they played well and will improve as the tournament goes on. Unfortunately, Messi usually doesn't have that luxury. Argentina's next game against Uruguay will now be seen as a must-win, and the heat will be on Messi if they don't, even if he's his team's best player again.
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