What’s up with Lionel Messi at the 2014 World Cup, Almost Won

Lionel Messi is always said to be unable to do much for the Argentine national team . Because, the trophy run with Barcelona did not continue with Argentina.

Until finally, Messi had the opportunity to prove that he was capable of doing it for the sake of his beloved country. The opportunity came when Argentina entered the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.

In the final, La Albiceleste challenged Germany, a team that had made hosts Brazil cry a lot in the semifinals because they were crushed 1-7.

Unfortunately, luck has not been in favor of Messi et al. Germany managed to secure their fourth World Cup trophy with a score of 1-0.

Argentinian Struggle

Argentina got a relatively easy group at the 2014 World Cup. One of the giants in South America was joined by Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iran, and Nigeria.

All three matches were eliminated with wins. Although the goal that was escorted by Sergio Romero had broken three times.

Raihan nine points from three matches ensure Argentina as winners of Group F. They face Switzerland in the round of 16.

With great effort

Argentina’s journey in the knockout stages was arduous. Everything was passed with a thin score, even one of them was a penalty shootout.

Argentina only won 1-0 when they met Switzerland in the last 16 and Belgium in the quarter-finals. When facing Switzerland, Messi et al to reach extra round.

Argentina also had time to reach extra round when they met the Netherlands in the semifinals. However, as the score remained 0-0, the match went to a penalty shootout which was won by Argentina with a score of 4-2.

Final Party

Throughout the 90 minutes, Germany and Argentina always had a chance to score. One of Messi’s chances early in the second half was in a one-on-one with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, but his shot went wide.

However, poor finishing and a number of misfortunes made the match in normal time ended with the score 0-0. The game was continued into extra rounds.

Germany was finally able to score a goal that broke the deadlock and the only goal was created through Mario Goetze in the second half of extra time. Goetze executed a perfect volley to thrill the Argentine net.

Retired

After the failure in the World Cup final, Messi had several chances to win the title with Argentina. At that time, he managed to bring Argentina to the Copa America final twice with luck in the 2015 and 2016 editions.

Unfortunately in the two finals which both met Chile, Argentina lost on penalties. Three times the opportunity to bring the trophy to his beloved country failed to create.

Until finally Messi decided to retire from defending the Argentine national team. Until finally, the player nicknamed La Pulga came back in 2018.

First Degree

Messi finally fulfilled his duties perfectly as an Argentine footballer. The 2021 Copa America trophy managed to become his first trophy with the Argentine national team.

The final was also special. Because, Argentina frustrate the toughest enemy resistance, Brazil in the final with a thin score 1-0.

2022 World Cup

Messi is not finished with Argentina. The 35-year-old will still play for Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Argentina joined in Group C which is again fairly easy. The three opponents that must be faced are Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland.

This edition of the World Cup is predicted to be the last stage for the seven Ballon d’Or winner. At the same time, it becomes another proof for Messi to treat his misery at the 2014 World Cup.