Can Argentina win with Messi playing like this? 🤔 | ESPN FC 

Messi is not Ronaldo. When he don't score he assists, advances his team, offers key passes... while Ronaldo does nothing but wait in the box.

Emiliano Martinez is the unsung hero, a God's gift to Argentina National Football Team

Messi half way impacts the game just by showing up . Guaranteed gravitation of defence ,assistance in passing, opening up spaces for others and the opposition feeling scared . Just throw the Messi's shirt on the pitch and you have 5 defenders around it.

Did Argentina lose? No, they won and they progressed into the semi's even with a game par below their standards. Messi was fielded, had little impact from what we saw but they won! They have the mentality to win and they still win games. Let's visit this conversation when they lose!

The disrespect to Ecuador makes no sense...they played well. Stop just saying Argentina didnt play well. They played a solid team that doesnt back down.

We don’t even care anymore, Messi has completed football 😎

Unlike Ronaldo, Messi doesn’t need to score to impact games. 👍

I would choose 50% Messi any day over any player

Imagine if Messi will have a masterclass in the semis. 😭 It's Messi. Even at 37, I think he still chooses where he'll shine. We'll see in the upcoming days. I could be wrong, but history doesn't really agree with me.

Relax. This Ecuador game is the equivalent of the Saudi game in the World Cup. A needed wake-up. We'll see a dominant Argentina going forward. 🇦🇷⭐️🌟⭐️🇦🇷

He creates chances,, he assists,,, he initializes dangerous moves,,,

Ronaldo fans so badly want Messi to receive the same level of criticism. The difference is CR was in the Portugal team purely to be the focal point as a goalscorer, yet has been unable to do that at his last two tournaments. Meanwhile, not only does Messi offer much more beyond goals; but in that time he's been able to help lead his country to the World Cup. The reality is he may not have scored at this Copa, yet in just 3 games he's created the most chances at the tournament, while not being fully fit. Unlike Ronaldo his performances can never be judged just by whether he scores or not. The reality is he's had one bad game, yet even still it was his corner that led to Argentina's goal. That's why even when he's not fully sharp he still brings value to his team. Their situations are not comparable. It goes without saying Ronaldo has been an incredible player but he no longer is beneficial for Portugal against good opposition. I also think Messi will know when it's the right time to call it a day, where as CR it seems will only do that when he's no longer selected.

Messi messing around in the copa America with the paneka is funny

Very simple: shut up! Messi makes his decision. Not you guys.

not to forget, the firstr goal from martinez came from messi's corner..

Scaloni needs to let Ángel di María work as the playmaker until he’s tired (idk, 70’ or so) and then bring on Messi when everyone else is tired. He’s a good coach, and he’s shown a lot of adaptability in the past. Hopefully he can adapt the strategy to this situation, too.

Messi & his Argentinian teammates had a bad game & Messi himself still nursing an injury.......one not so great performance doesnt maake a team a lesser team...Argentina are the defending champions & they are determine to retain the Copa title...This game changes nothing & they usually play better the bigger their opponents are.....Nothing to be worried about....smh!!!

Average Messi is better than full cr7

This is good for La Scaloneta. We have to think about life after Messi and who will step up. They got his back just like last match against some inspiring play by Ecuador.

Please let him rest. Messi can't be there all the time...he's just a Man! However, I do want Argentina to win at all costs, no matter what!

It’s a testament to the collective strength of the Argentina national team that without Lionel Messi being at his prolific best at the Copa América and the team as a whole haven’t been great either are on the brink of winning another international trophy. What do you expect from a 37 year old man even Messi is human and he’s not perfect. Whether he’s not 100% fit or age is finally catching up with him, so far he hasn’t had a great tournament by his usual standards as yes he played only 3 games; he still has 0 goals. He is a player who isn’t just about goalscoring since he’s a creative player who has created a lot of chances, but I don’t think he was influential during their game against Ecuador because apart from a couple of touches, he was never able to really get in the game and make a mark on it. You don’t expect much of him as his job on the pitch is to get into scoring positions when they pass him the ball in the right areas and he’s also someone who’s supposed to get on the ball and make things happen, since he’s Messi he’s being marked very well as that’s taking him out of games so easily and we have to remember that without the ball out of possession, he’s not going to sprint or track back as that never been his role in a team and you’re not asking him to defend and cover distance. As I said before do you really expect much from him. Not to mention that during the penalty shoutout just like his arch rival the other day, he missed it, thankfully his teammates helped him at the end of the day. Considering what he did at the last World Cup, how he’s been playing at the Copa América so far it won’t tarnish his legacy as his teammates are about to help him win an international trophy proving that Argentina aren’t a team over-reliant on Messi and have proven that they’re able to grind results when they play nowhere near their best and that’s exactly why they’re world champions.

Honestly I'm worried if scaloni risk playing him

Yea they are still good…. The team is built well… All positions they have solid players… Plus they have the best goalkeeper in the world… Messi just needs to come through in a moment here or there.

Penaldo Is out of the euro 😂

They have not changed their cloths since yesterday 😂😂😂 Likely telecasting yesterday recording ESPN 😀

Without him no chance Argentina will win copa ?? You people are just joker

Messi should play the second half. Let Angel play the first half.

The pitch was in terrible shape. The ball was bouncing around erratically. Argentina depends on ground passing and it definitely affected them. Ecuador is more aerial.

They are facing Canada, just bench him and let him heal. Martinez and Alvarez, and DI maria can definitely win in the Semis. Make him come off the bench if the game is close

The biggest crime was not putting di maria on the field at all! I would have been upset if they waited for the 80th minute as they tend to do, but not at all! If they were eliminated in his last tournament without him playing... Even Paredes, lo celso, or carboni would have been energetic.

There's no such thing as an 'outside back', lol. They're called fullbacks.

All the analysis were right but not too correct.Di Maria needed to be rested because we have seen that whenever he pick injury at the crucial stages,it end up affecting Argentina in the final matches,so the coach need him in the last two matches for victory

The disrespect to cr7 and lm10 is crazy

The question who was behind the corner kick that led to the header by martinez in argentina's only goal against Ecuador? Messi......Messi will be ready in the semi-final against Canada. It is a good wake-up call for him.

Messis presence is a big help already.. tge Ecuadorians just played well..

MESSI PLAYED WHILE HE WAS STILL INJURED BUT WE ALL THINK HES THAT BAD SMH WHERE IS THE FAITH WHEN YOU NEED IT.

I’m hoping this was their “Saudi Arabia” game and they kick it up going forward.

The real problem was the absence of DiMaria and the worst performance in the Mid.. nothing else.. Messi was not there that's true. But Martinez is not going to try replace DiMaria performance...Di maria and Messi combination with Alvarez is a one of the best...we will see that in coming finals..

If messi can carry argentina for almost 2 decades on his shoulder, I don't think this Argentina team will have any problem carry a 37 year old Magical Player with injuries in his body and win the Copa 2024. Did Argentina team carry Messi to victories in Fifa WC 2022 and Copa 2021? The answer is yes. But Still I mean still Messi was the best player in both the tournaments. If in Copa 2024, Dibu Martinez or Lat. Martinez or any other player becomes the player of the tournament, and messi's goal contribution remains zero, I think it would be the greatest tribute to what messi has done for the country for all these years. He can finally take retirement believing that this team is capable of winning trophies without a star man like him. I salute what Messi has done all through his career and no one and I mean no one has the right to take a dig at him just because he is not doing well in this tournament which may be his last. Try to enjoy him till he is on the pitch, as the time has come to bid goodbye.

don't swap Lisandro next he is the best cb to hold full back

A man down??? Really ?? Even after all these, pundits still don't learn. Only thing I saw is Messi isn't dropping in midfield. Don't know why. I hope he shuts these guys up. Messi even with sub par performance created both the goals vs canada. He is the victim of his own lofty standards. Last thing Messi would do is hold Argentina back. This guy gave up playing for Spain for Argentina. Handled outrageous abuse from his fellow countrymen after 4 finals loss. Still came back during the 2018 wc qualifier and scored hattrick. You pundits can rest be assured Messi won't be an obstacle in Argentina's path.

Why scaloni starting Nico Gonzalez over fenomenal D Maria?

Finally about kelsey about Messi choosing his time to contribute his a different player but still very impactful.

Messi should be subbed in if required in the semis. And he and Di Maria start the final (assuming they win semis).

Vs Netherlands struggled???? Netherlands had 70 minutes ZERO shots on goal😂😂😂

Guys messi is messi...even if he hasnt played his best...he still contributes all the time....

Messi caught walking on the pitch scanning the pitch😂

😂😂😂😂IM JUST WAITING ON ESPN TO SLIP UP.

The pitches have been abysmal in this Copa America. It affects the teams that rely on skillful play the most. Throwing grass atop artificial turf doesn't cut it. An F grade for the host country.

Let’s not exaggerate how “terrible” Messi was. Very poor [by his standards]. But not objectively terrible. Decent game by an injured guy. The rest of the team was terrible. Accept for Dibu

Messi is playing with injury and he still amazing. The amount of chances he creates

WHAT GAMES WAS HERC WATCHING???? Caicedo has been easily one of the best players of the tournament!!!

Great analysis. These guys know their stuff.

This lineup was an experiment for Argentina but could have cost them the tournament now the coach will fix this and he will start the very best squad to win the tournament

Di Maria can fill in any day of the week. He's our wild card, when he's at his best, Argentina is unbeatable.

I, honestly, was expecting Messi to come off the bench for that game, not to actually play 120 minutes. I think Scaloni simply said to himself, "well, he played all those minutes during the World cup so he can do it again, effectively." But It is obvious that things are different now, as in the World cup he didn't start the tournament with injuries, that's why, except the opening game against Canada he was always the one making the difference.

Last meeting between Portugal and Ecuador ended with 2 - 3 defeat for Portugal

Messi has direct involvement in Argentina's only goal how come he can't be productive ?

Just with Messi presence in the field makes opponents nervous sooo give me Leo always.

Messi was clearly diminished coming back from injury against Ecuador. If he doesn't regain his form it will be tough, but I think he will.

Messi’s presence is beyond whether he plays well or not. Argentina is going to win Copa America and Messi is going to be a different player in next two games.

The bench played spectacularly vs Peru. Scaloni made poor decisions too. He should have benched DePaul and Enzo from half time.

To find out, bring a large Ayrton Senna poster (or Alain Prost for better results) and show it when Argentina plays.

Football is ruthless,when you're injured you're out.

Are you talking about Messi? Someone here once called him a fraud, relax, he is a world cup winner

Whether Messi decides to play full strength is based on who they're going to face. There's no more "We should do it for Messi", so their mental intensity has decreased and Scaloni is currently building a team for the future. Now everybody else has to step up

NEVER do not compare Messi with penaldo Messi is Messi best player in football history❤❤

I'm not sure if ALI and the rest has hallucinations just based on one game you guys change your opinions . Pls remember Messi presence is 50% game won as teams dare to attack at full potential, Messi attempted a Pineka but missed if that would have gone in you guys would have made a different statement altogether....it just that he had a bad day and someone like Messi is also allowed and not be judged

Dude thought he will shine by hitting a Peneneka after Ronaldo's miss 😂😂😂

I love to see Ali squirm when he realizes Messi and Argentina are progressing

Ironic both messi and ronaldo missing pks in each tournament, saved by their goalkeepers and both holding back their teams from playing a certain way.

This guys are correct if messi is still injured play di Maria pls

Teams should hire Ale Moreno as a co- coach

This is great for Argentina ngl I think Messi should be playing like this because they need to learn how to not rely on him Messi have 2-4 years max so this is very good news guys need to step up Messi pushing 40

What to expect from a very old player...he could still convert those illegally earned penalties though if he doesnt try 2 b zidane from the spot kick 🎉🎉

Curious, why is it always Lionel Messi with Moreno? & not just Messi, they say his name every few seconds 🤔

Messi should step up Caz dis could be his last tournament 🏆😢

Messi cannot take brutal fault like these other teams use to stop their inability to take the ball. He is 37. One of his exact pass will win the game. Do you need more to do at 37?

I had no idea that Messi would be none influential or that his teammates would be below par in this match but I always had a feeling that Ecuador was really going to be a difficult opponent. Dismissing Argentina's awfulness kudos to Ecuador! I wonder how Lionel Scaloni would have felt if we had lost while having Di Maria on the bench and Nico Gonzalez is yet to prove why he was picked ahead of Paulo Dybala. I really hope this match was a wake up call for Argentina.

Literally we played 10 person game with Ecuador 🇪🇨 Messi didn’t help Argentina at all we still won 🥇 y’all sad bye ronaldo we don’t cry here like you did

Argentina played 61 matches over the course of past 5 years , won 48, drew 11 times and lost only twice, that's a 79% winning percentage. It was a bad day in terms of performance, yet they won thanks to Dibu and the overall team spirit and unity which was non-existent before the Scaloni era. You can't expect the same level of consistency matches after matches, stumbles would come to any team. Ecuador is a team that can give any team in the world a run for their money, especially due to their physicality and they also played well, that needs to be admitted. Argentina can get back into the gear in the semis, fixing the errors and wrong decisions made in the team selection in the quarters.

They act like messi not coming back from being hurt

Give 60 minutes to Di Maria and sub him for Messi against Canada. All things will be managed.

Whenever espn tries to slam messi he plays better this will age like a fine wine i can really sense that😂

Out of games he played one poor game. You talk like this!!

Messi the goat 🐐🇦🇷

Dude one bad game doesn't define him

Rest Messi for the semi. Bring him on if needed simple....it's Canada

1 bad game they started to doubt him.

Talkshow likes this comment base on the result from the game. Messi is a professional and if he feels he no longer able to contribute, he will step aside. But the midfielders were not playing a good game. The right winger actually played badly.

Messi should be rested for the semis and play in the finals or bring as a substitute if Argentina needed in the semis.

a injured Messi is not CR7 who is fit but performing very porrly continuously

Playing like that is not enough for Argentina and especially, for Lio Messi as they didn't have a good performance in their last match in quarter-finals although they beat Ecuador on penalties. Therefore, Argentinian team need to fix many things before facing Canada in semi-finals.

Ecuador came prepared. That's all.

minute of silence for people who doubt that Messi and Argentina will win Copa America again... First time Messi was saved by more then one teamate in the history of Lionel Messi... And now he is gone finish Canada and then Uruguay/Columbia in the final... And btw. Messi played bad becose the team passed to him 30 times, not 70 as they should, and he was not 100% fit, and was thinking more not to get injured again,becose of the next games...

This just shows hhow low the level of copa america is besides 4 teams

Messi is in hiberating stage …. Lions gonna roar soon… dont worry

Any pundits in the world can’t predict messi how he play, you guys said today he didn’t play well the tomorrow you guys say he is in best form 😂😂😂😂what kind predictions that is ?

Win or loss it doesn't matter anymore he completed football he just playing for fun😅😅

Makes it even worse that he doesn’t let Dybala on the team!!