Lionel Messi outshines everything in Argentina, but the superstar is far from everything in Argentina. But who are the do-it-yourselfers at Messi’s side? An overview.
How big the hype about Lionel Messi is can also be observed very well at the World Cup in Qatar. The Argentinian fans in the stands almost exclusively wear the number 10 jersey. After the games, even the opponents (with the exception of the Dutch) line up to shake hands with Messi and ask for his jersey.
According to goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, Argentina’s kit managers pack between 200 and 300 Messi shirts per game in order to be able to fulfill all wishes. “The fans, the sponsors, the players, the staff, the technicians, everyone wants one,” he said in an “Amazon” documentary. Messi here, Messi there. Messi, Messi, Messi.
The team makes Messi better
It is undisputed that the 35-year-old is by far the best player on his team. That he is probably the best footballer of all time, at least according to the consensus of many fans and experts. He alone, that’s also clear and a phrase that’s as well-done as it is true, can’t win the title. The players at his side therefore deserve much more attention. An overview of the helpers in Messi’s shadow.
Goal – Martinez saves for 45 million Argentines
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been known far beyond Argentina’s borders since the quarterfinals against the Netherlands at the latest. He initially saved two penalties in the shoot-out, but after Lautaro Martinez’s decisive goal he collapsed on the sidelines and only had to be encouraged by Messi to celebrate. He then took off his jersey, then mocked the referee and finally promised with tears in his eyes that he wanted to win the title “for 45 million Argentines”.
In real life, Martinez, who at the age of 17 entered the youth of the Arsenal FC changed, but only made his breakthrough almost ten years later AstonVilla. The 30-year-old made his debut for Argentina last year. Martinez is a latecomer, but his performances at this World Cup are worthy of the title.
Credit where credit is due: Lionel Messi celebrates with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Defensive – Otamendi and his neighbors close down
Argentina’s clear defensive boss is Nicolas Otamendi of Benfica Lisbon. The 34-year-old is the only one who has been on the pitch every minute alongside keeper Martinez and Messi and has consistently impressed. Otamendi dispenses with frills and offensive excursions, his presence is reminiscent of former central defenders such as Martin Demichelis or Walter Samuel. The final would be Otamendi’s 100th international match, he deserved it.
Either Christian Romero from Otamendi plays at his side Tottenham Hotspur or Lisandro Martinez from Manchester United. Both against the Netherlands, when coach Lionel Scolani used a back three for the first time in the tournament.
Nicolas Otamendi: not always pretty, but successful.
The game against the Netherlands showed clearly that Argentina has problems in the air. The duel strength of the central defenders is a trump card. In five games, the Albiceleste’s defense only allowed 20 shots on goal. A top value.
On the flanks, Nahuel Molina in particular has attracted attention in the previous games. The right-back used Messi’s pass of the century to temporarily lead 1-0 against the Netherlands and also repeatedly caused danger in the other games. Marcos Acuna, Molina’s counterpart at left-back, is suspended for the semi-finals.
Midfield – Fernandez on his way to Liverpool or Real
In the Argentines’ midfield, efficiency comes before beauty. Rodrigo de Paul from Atletico Madrid, rising star Enzo Fernandez from Benfica Lisbon and Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion tend to grab the straddle rather than the step-over. Their primary task: watch Messi’s back and work, work, work.
The fact that Mac Allister has the second-best tackle values of the entire tournament fits the picture. That his sideman Fernandez is currently at Real Madrid and the Liverpool FC is on the slip and could cost up to 120 million euros, illustrates the enormous quality in the Argentine machine room. The fine blade is rarely seen in this area of the game, as is well known, Messi is there for these tasks.
Attack – Alvarez and Martinez increase flexibility
In the front row, there has been a kind of job sharing between Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan and youngster Julian Alvarez from Inter Milan, also because of the injury to Ángel Di María Manchester City. The 22-year-old Martinez was in the starting XI for the first two games, but did not stand out much. Alvarez, who is number two behind Erling Haaland at City, has been a regular since the third group game and immediately thanked him for the trust with two goals.
“He’s got the eye for goal, the quality, the movements,” coach Pep Guardiola attested his protégé Alvarez all the requirements for a top striker months ago. How important Martinez is, however, was illustrated not least by being the last shooter in the penalty shoot-out against the Netherlands.
The future belongs to Julian Alvarez.
Either way, Argentina have plenty of quality away from Messi’s golden feet. In the shadow of the superstar, these are not immediately noticeable. Since everyone is at the service of their captain, they help Messi, who is already very good, to become even better.