Lionel Messi might be the king of the world, with Ballon d’Ors, two Champions League medals and more all in his trophy cabinet. But Kempes has reminded that King Leo has silveware to offer to Argentina.
A vast group of football critics have been pointing out at Lionel Messi’s lack of achievements with Argentina’s senior national team. The reigning FIFA Ballon d’Or winner failed to inspire the Albicelestes to glory during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa as Germany handed Argentina a surprise 4-0 defeat in the quarter-finals of that tournament.
Consequently, anxiety and pressure have piled up on the young man to let the X Factor help him win the 2011 Copa America. Some have been joking about Messi’s records at the national level compared to his stats with Barcelona, stating that the best way to stop the number 10 player is to give him an Argentina jersey. Likewise, 1978 World Cup champion Mario Kempes has tasked Lionel Messi to prove his worth at last for the Argentine people. The Sun quoted the legend as saying:
“Leo has a debt to pay for Argentina. In a Barcelona shirt he shows he can be the best player in the world but we haven't seen that for Argentina.
“We've all witnessed what he can do for Barcelona and what he's achieved. It's now time for him to show he can be as good if not better in an Argentina shirt.
“We need him to perform and we need the team to perform. It's a long time since we've won anything.”
Lionel Messi will star for Argentina against Bolivia tonight as the 2011 Copa America kicks off. What are your expectations of the Barcelona star ahead of that match? Share your opinions through the comment box below.
Consequently, anxiety and pressure have piled up on the young man to let the X Factor help him win the 2011 Copa America. Some have been joking about Messi’s records at the national level compared to his stats with Barcelona, stating that the best way to stop the number 10 player is to give him an Argentina jersey. Likewise, 1978 World Cup champion Mario Kempes has tasked Lionel Messi to prove his worth at last for the Argentine people. The Sun quoted the legend as saying:
“Leo has a debt to pay for Argentina. In a Barcelona shirt he shows he can be the best player in the world but we haven't seen that for Argentina.
“We've all witnessed what he can do for Barcelona and what he's achieved. It's now time for him to show he can be as good if not better in an Argentina shirt.
“We need him to perform and we need the team to perform. It's a long time since we've won anything.”
Lionel Messi will star for Argentina against Bolivia tonight as the 2011 Copa America kicks off. What are your expectations of the Barcelona star ahead of that match? Share your opinions through the comment box below.
