A former-Camp Nou favorite says the six-time Ballon d’Or winner has been wrongly criticised for his nation’s struggles at main tournaments
Barcelona nice Hristo Stoichkov says Lionel Messi is always unfairly blamed for Argentina‘s failures, and that his crew-mates are guilty of “hiding” on the greatest phases.
Despite sweeping the board during a glittering career with Barca, six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has by no means lifted a serious honour with Argentina.
There have been a succession of close to misses throughout the previous decade, with Germany beating La Albiceleste after further time in the closing of the 2014 World Cup, earlier than Chile prevailed on penalties in the 2015 Copa America and Copa America Centenario showpieces.
The 2020 Copa America was on account of begin on Friday however has been put again 12 months on account of the coronavirus pandemic, whereas the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is prone to be Messi’s closing tilt at the large prize.
Speaking to Argentinian station Radio Villa Trinidad, Stoichkov mentioned he felt the 32-yr-outdated had shouldered an unfair share of criticism over the failures of his nationwide crew.
“To see a friend happy, like Leo, and to stop him suffering so much for not being able to win a World Cup, I would change my Golden Boot, which I got at the 1994 World Cup, to see Messi world champion,” mentioned the ex-Barca ahead.
“Always when he loses, Messi has the blame they usually by no means discuss those that are subsequent to him and fail.
“In South Africa [at the 2010 World Cup under Diego Maradona], that they had an incredible crew and the place did it finish and why? No one asks it.
“Later in Brazil, Argentina reached the closing and when [other players] have clear alternatives, the fault lies with Messi and Messi loses.
“In the Copa America, they have lost two finals on penalties. And again, Messi cannot win, but what do we do with the players who failed and Messi assisted them? They are hiding.”
Nevertheless, Stoichkov doesn’t suppose all is misplaced for Argentina forward of Qatar 2022.
“Sooner or later the glory of Messi will end,” he added. “Then we should worth all the things that was performed in soccer.
“I imagine that in 2022 in Qatar this Argentine nationwide crew may have the final nice alternative to win the World Cup in its historical past.
“With Lautaro Martinez, with Paulo Dybala, with the last campaigns, I imagine, by Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria. There is a very competitive team.”
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