Messi on a mission
Argentina train with renewed hope
AFP
AFP, BRONNITSY: Lionel Messi and Argentina hit the training ground on Saturday with renewed hope of qualifying for the World Cup last 16.
Argentina were on the brink of elimination after a humiliating 3-0 loss to Croatia, but Nigerias 2-0 win over Iceland on Friday offered the two-time world champions a lifeline.
Victory over Nigeria in their final Group D match in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday would send Argentina through as runners-up if group leaders Croatia avoid defeat against Iceland.
Gabriel Mercado, Nicolas Otamendi and midfielder Lucas Biglia trained separately from the rest of the squad in the gym as they recover from minor knocks.
Defensive pair Mercado and Otamendi suffered ankle injuries in the loss to Croatia but are expected to be fit to face Nigeria.
Coach Jorge Sampaoli was roundly criticised for his approach against Croatia, sparking rumours the 58-year-old would be sacked during the tournament.
It had been suggested that 1986 World Cup winner Jorge Burruchaga, the teams technical director, would replace Sampaoli, but the claims were strongly denied by the Argentina Football Association (AFA).
Messi was kept quiet as Argentina suffered their heaviest first round group stage defeat since 1958, but the Barcelona forward could yet have his say at what is likely his fourth and final World Cup.
Goalkeeper Willy Caballero could be dropped following his mistake for the opening goal against Croatia, with River Plates Franco Armani possibly in line to make his international debut.
Four years ago in Brazil, Lionel Messi trudged off the pitch at the Maracana after his Argentina team had been beaten in extra time by Germany. The World Cup trophy had been within touching distance, yet a glum glance was all he was allowed.
Later, he held the Golden Ball for the World Cups best player, but it did not interest him at all. Messi wanted the games greatest prize and he came so close, to claiming it. Since, he has admitted that he thinks about that match every single day.
But if losing a World Cup final was considered to be a failure, it was a glorious one. And in the next two years, the Barca forward also lost two Copa America finals with Argentina. Again, he had been so close.
I just feel so sorry for Lionel Messi, the forwards friend and former Argentina team-mate Pablo Zabaleta told the BBC.
This was his last chance to win something with Argentina, so I wouldnt be surprised to see him retire from international football after this. Hell be so disappointed and its another four years until Qatar.
By the time the next World Cup comes around, Messi who is 31 on Sunday will be almost 35 and even if he is still playing, it is unlikely to be at his current level. Therefore, this World Cup in Russia may well have represented his final shot at glory.
And it is not necessarily over yet, with victory over Nigeria meaning Argentina can still sneak through to the last 16. Given the current climate surrounding Sampaoli and the players, however, it would appear to be a tough ask even if other results do go their way.
And if Argentina can somehow advance, their team does not look equipped to challenge the strongest sides in this tournament, such as Spain and Brazil. With Messi, there is always a chance, but there is a real sense that the Albiceleste have not made the most of their star man.
