Messi at the World Cup - No Ronaldo comparisons!

Malva said:
This is pretty damn naive thing to say. You can exempt Rojo, and i've never really followed him so i'm still learning about him, But Romero is unquestionable a calamity of a goalkeeper.

He makes David james or Almunia or Gomes look secure and dependable in comparison, and really these keepers are all apt comparisons to Romero, Top Top shotstoppers, but absolute morons at everything else that constitute goalkeeping, goalkeepers that you could bet a house on that they will totally let you down at the highest level.

The Mistakes Romero has made all through his career with AZ in holland, Sampdoria, the Argentine NT have been consistent, and consistently laughable. He's one of the most incomplete goalkeepers at the national stage that i've ever seen, Probably the worst goalkeeper at the top level period. His positioning ability is worse then most championship goalkeepers, he flaps at anything with decent trajectory on it, He is an imbecile at attempting to come out to claim crosses (a goal he conceded versus Palermo was one of the softest cross goals i've ever seen allowed, also, remember the 4-3 vs brazil), and his decision making can be truly horrendous.

Romero is a great shotstopper and as long as that's all he has to do, he'll look great. but look beyond that, and if he does get tested beyond that, you'll see him for what he is. Trying to make the judgement that contrary to all these people who've watched him for the majority of his career he's actually a good goalkeeper because he's made 4 good saves in 5 games at the world cup, seems pretty damnably naive.

And about the last part, give it a break, anyone who's watched argentina knows they're lucky to have made it this far. They could've lost every single match they played.
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Jeez! How I hate this kind of things. Has Romero been doing the good in the world cup? Yes, he's been fantastic in the world cup, save for the last game and he wasn't that bad. Simple. That's all that's needed, not story.
And if we're to compare Argentine's team to Holland's team, they are easily better. Di maria for example has been far better than Sneidjer and Gago save for the last game have been better than any of the CM Holland has been parading so far. Mascherano has been screening the defence as much as De Jong without them contributing much to the attacks.
In the attacks, Rvp have gone on holiday after the first game and the worst thing is, he's not even making efforts and have been invisible so far. Only Robben has been consistent in his effort. At least, Lavezzi and Aguero have been puffing and making effort to attracts defenders to them unlike Rvp who's been totally invisibe after the first game. And don't let me get started on their defence, save for Blind who can only have a say in their first game, their defence has been a calamity.
So, I don't get how people kept saying Messi has been carrying the argentine's team when in truth, Robben have been doing much more for Holland against better teams.
 
TooBias said:
Argentina's biggest problem is their central midfield. Mascherano has forgotten he used to be a midfielder. Gago is very average. Di Maria just isn't performing there. Their midfield is worse than ours, and we've all seen how even top attackers struggle to perform without a fluent, and fluid, midfield.
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I think Mascherano played quite well against Switzerland. Di Maria also performed well against Nigeria in a hybrid midfielder/winger role. Against Switzerland he was dangerous and very active although also selfish and made bad decisions. Higuian looked a bit sharper against Switzerland than his previous games. Maybe he will get a goal against Switzerland after so many shit games? Their defence was actually pretty good against Switzerland, shutdown Switzerland's attack bar one clear chance in the first half. Not sure if Argentina will play a real midfielder instead of Lavezzi against Belgium.

Messi had a very good game against Switzerland, played more of a #10 role compared to against Nigeria : more playmaking and less run into the box. His passing, decision making was good, also had a few sucessful dribbles.

One is similar to the one in 2011 CL final which he fooled Nani and dribbled to touchline, causing havoc and lead to Villa's goal in the end.

Another one

Messi%20dribble%20Switzerland.gif



I can see him shine more against a less defensive team.
 
T.banty10 said:
Jeez! How I hate this kind of things. Has Romero been doing the good in the world cup? Yes, he's been fantastic in the world cup, save for the last game and he wasn't that bad. Simple. That's all that's needed, not story.
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what does it even mean to have been fantastic in the world cup at this point? he's made what, 4 saves? You're going to say to me that that constitutes or demonstrates any sort of quality? Madness. He will be defined by how he exits this world cup, and i think he is very capable of exiting the world cup in a shame he is solely at fault for.

The amount of people who want to live in their own world is fascinating. You don't need the 'story'? This is a recounting of his history, a history which is likely to predict the future performances he has at the cup. He will likely make good saves. He will also be likely if put in the situation, to fumble a cross leading to an own goal, or charge out of his net, only to backtrack, only to be stuck in no mans land, and give away an easy goal.


And if we're to compare Argentine's team to Holland's team, they are easily better. Di maria for example has been far better than Sneidjer and Gago save for the last game have been better than any of the CM Holland has been parading so far. Mascherano has been screening the defence as much as De Jong without them contributing much to the attacks.
In the attacks, Rvp have gone on holiday after the first game and the worst thing is, he's not even making efforts and have been invisible so far. Only Robben has been consistent in his effort. At least, Lavezzi and Aguero have been puffing and making effort to attracts defenders to them unlike Rvp who's been totally invisibe after the first game. And don't let me get started on their defence, save for Blind who can only have a say in their first game, their defence has been a calamity.
So, I don't get how people kept saying Messi has been carrying the argentine's team when in truth, Robben have been doing much more for Holland against better teams.
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well that's funny because i didn't compare argentina to holland and nobody compared argentina to holland so i have only one comment after which i won't continue regarding this imaginary comparison you've hallucinated, what are you on about.
 
Messi is going to carry Argentina to a WC win isnt he? Their team is bad in the middle of the park and at the back but when you have Messi it doesnt matter :(

I cant handle the thought of Argentina winning the WC in Brazil its just too much hopefully they wont reach the final.
 
Hamadovich86 said:
Messi is going to carry Argentina to a WC win isnt he? Their team is bad in the middle of the park and at the back but when you have Messi it doesnt matter :(

I cant handle the thought of Argentina winning the WC in Brazil its just too much hopefully they wont reach the final.
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It would be the most wondrous outcome possible, the stuff of dreams. The Brazilians would spend the next 50 years crying about it.
 
So would a certain individual in the Portugal team
 
milan4ever said:
Messi%20dribble%20Switzerland.gif
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Still can't believe Palacio's instinct was to take a touch on that pass from Messi there, given his position (12 yards out with only the GK directly in front of him!) he should've just hit that first time at goal even if it was on his weaker foot.
 
Malva said:
what does it even mean to have been fantastic in the world cup at this point? he's made what, 4 saves? You're going to say to me that that constitutes or demonstrates any sort of quality? Madness. He will be defined by how he exits this world cup, and i think he is very capable of exiting the world cup in a shame he is solely at fault for.

The amount of people who want to live in their own world is fascinating. You don't need the 'story'? This is a recounting of his history, a history which is likely to predict the future performances he has at the cup. He will likely make good saves. He will also be likely if put in the situation, to fumble a cross leading to an own goal, or charge out of his net, only to backtrack, only to be stuck in no mans land, and give away an easy goal.




well that's funny because i didn't compare argentina to holland and nobody compared argentina to holland so i have only one comment after which i won't continue regarding this imaginary comparison you've hallucinated, what are you on about.
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Romero's performance should solely be on how he's been doing so far at the world cup and he has been fantastic thus far.
However, coming here to say the goalkeeper and Messi's team mates have all been shit while basing your opinion on the keeper's club performances is basically nonsense. For I know, the likes of Rojo, Romero, Gago, Lavezzi, Mascherano, Di maria, Garay have all had good games, save for the last game, in which some were average. The only problem is the attacking trio which have been unproductive, save for Messi.
 
T.banty10 said:
Romero's performance should solely be on how he's been doing so far at the world cup and he has been fantastic thus far.
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he's been good. he's done what's expected. Fantastic is a couple synonyms too generous.

However, coming here to say the goalkeeper and Messi's team mates have all been shit while basing your opinion on the keeper's club performances is basically nonsense.
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Funny. I didn't say that even remotely. That's what, 3 times now that you refer to things people haven't even said?
 
Malva said:
he's been good. he's done what's expected. Fantastic is a couple synonyms too generous.



Funny. I didn't say that even remotely. That's what, 3 times now that you refer to things people haven't even said?
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My first comment is to people who were saying Messi have been solely carrying argentina and this was obvious in the thread.
My second comment is for you, who was talking about the life history of the goalkeeper when no one asked you. Simple.
 
"The kid (Messi) is very alone ... The team doesn't have a change of rhythm, movements in its strikers. I feel something very strong inside, like bitterness, rage, frustration, because Argentina can play much, much better... The coach has to impose this. If they do not improve against Belgium, we're in trouble. They need to get it into their heads that we can't be "Sporting Messi'. Maybe he can score a great goal ... but if it doesn't come off for the kid, we can't jump on him tomorrow as if he's guilty of the Argentine disaster."

- Maradona
 
Bole Top said:
"The kid (Messi) is very alone ... The team doesn't have a change of rhythm, movements in its strikers. I feel something very strong inside, like bitterness, rage, frustration, because Argentina can play much, much better... The coach has to impose this. If they do not improve against Belgium, we're in trouble. They need to get it into their heads that we can't be "Sporting Messi'. Maybe he can score a great goal ... but if it doesn't come off for the kid, we can't jump on him tomorrow as if he's guilty of the Argentine disaster."

- Maradona
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Ha ha. Thats ironic coming from Maradona after the disaster that was WC 2010.
 
I posted this in another thread. The best pass of this world cup, period!

 
CLARiiON said:
I posted this in another thread. The best pass of this world cup, period!

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What a brilliant pass, that's pretty much as good as it gets in terms of through balls.
 
I think he is arguably past his peak in a explosive dribbling sense, albeit he is still great. He seems to be lacking a yard of pace compared to the Messi of old and a tad clumsy on the ball at times. Read on a thread somewhere that Messi would play Rw for Barca next season.. I don't think he has the legs for a wide position anymore. Really hope he brings it against the dutch
 
Raees said:
I think he is arguably past his peak in a explosive dribbling sense, albeit he is still great. He seems to be lacking a yard of pace compared to the Messi of old and a tad clumsy on the ball at times. Read on a thread somewhere that Messi would play Rw for Barca next season.. I don't think he has the legs for a wide position anymore. Really hope he brings it against the dutch
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alot of people have been saying this for a couple monthes lol

the promising thing is that for barcelona over the season, he showed an outstanding side as a playmaker, making himself the one creating space and threading key passes instead of attacking around the box, and he was really really effective. Against (i think) getafe he made almost 6 direct assists which were all brilliant through balls.
 
Malva said:
alot of people have been saying this for a couple monthes lol

the promising thing is that for barcelona over the season, he showed an outstanding side as a playmaker, making himself the one creating space and threading key passes instead of attacking around the box, and he was really really effective. Against (i think) getafe he made almost 6 direct assists which were all brilliant through balls.
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In that sense he should age well, his passing is truly top drawer. He just needs to ensure although his pace drops, he keeps his general fitness high in terms of endurance. Then he'll be quality in midfield, but there were times today where the tempo had to be slowed down to suit his movement... in the CL against better sides, he'll need to make sure his fitness isn't lacking.
 
He was the conductor of Argentina's offensive game today, no question about it. He completely controlled the pace of their attacks, setting it up with full speed or slowing it down to compose the game at will.
 
Passes like that are why he's the greatest player in the world, imo. Not only is he capable of playing passes like that and being an excellent playmaker but he's also an excellent dribbler, an excellent finisher etc. Some say that another footballer is more complete because he's taller and can shoot with both feet. I'd think that excelling in so many areas offensively and technically would make you a more complete footballer.

It won't be costly even if he has lost a yard of pace because his offensive arsenal is so vast and scary.
 
He plays pretty deep for Argentina, rarely enters the box unless he's about to score, usually hovers 10-15 metres out of it.

I don't get the "he's lost pace". Still outruns everyone when he goes for it.
 
That pass was just unreal. He seems to be playing deeper in his last few games.

I do find it odd that he's lost pace at the age of 27, though.
 
Archie Leach said:
He plays pretty deep for Argentina, rarely enters the box unless he's about to score, usually hovers 10-15 metres out of it.

I don't get the "he's lost pace". Still outruns everyone when he goes for it.
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He's definitely a tad slower than he used to be. Hopefully nothing permanent.

Earlier he would get a yard ahead of the defender with such ease. Right now he's having to hold off the defender hassling him because of that small difference in acceleration.
 
amolbhatia100 said:
He's definitely a tad slower than he used to be. Hopefully nothing permanent.

Earlier he would get a yard ahead of the defender with such ease. Right now he's having to hold off the defender hassling him because of that small difference in acceleration.
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From what I've seen when he puts on the burners he leaves them for dead. He tends to look for a pass though more often, like in the lead up to Higuain's goal, he just held his position really well so someone would move into the space.
 
Archie Leach said:
From what I've seen when he puts on the burners he leaves them for dead. He tends to look for a pass though more often, like in the lead up to Higuain's goal, he just held his position really well so someone would move into the space.
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I tend to agree with this.

Now Di Maria is out, he really should be involved more in the play and run more.
 
nick2004 said:
Messi hasn't lost anything. He is just 27. Argentina does not have Xavi and Iniesta, so his role is different than in Barca.
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It's funny that for the Higuian goal, what Messi did in the buildup play is very Xavi like : a turn on the spot then release the ball to Di Maria.
 
milan4ever said:
It's funny that for the Higuian goal, what Messi did in the buildup play is very Xavi like : a turn on the spot then release the ball to Di Maria.
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Yeah it reminded me a lot of xavi how he turns around as he's being crowded and draws players in whilst waiting for someone to make a run into the space that he's created by keeping the ball like that
 
amolbhatia100 said:
He's definitely a tad slower than he used to be. Hopefully nothing permanent.

Earlier he would get a yard ahead of the defender with such ease. Right now he's having to hold off the defender hassling him because of that small difference in acceleration.
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He`s not slower, he`s just slowed by the opponents

Everytime i see Messi dribbles, there`s always minimum 2 persons guarding, and 1 person cover his dribble area

And, this Argentina teams doesn`t support him really2 well
- Di Maria plays waiting the ball in side area
- Lavezzi would not open space or do cut in through middle
- Higuain, well, just higuain, standing in the box
- of course, there are no creative MF, so Messi does all the work that other`s cant
 
amolbhatia100 said:
He's definitely a tad slower than he used to be. Hopefully nothing permanent.

Earlier he would get a yard ahead of the defender with such ease. Right now he's having to hold off the defender hassling him because of that small difference in acceleration.
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Yep. I hope it's simply a case of him not fully recovering. Reminds me a bit of Maradona in 1990, when Deigo lost his burst of speed that'd usually see him power past players. 27 seems bloody young though. Then again Ronaldo was never the same after 1998 at the age of what? 22...23?
 
His 1st half against us was very promising, but in the 2nd Arg just shut up shop (also because of the loss of Di María of course, who has surely been as key a player as Messi in Sabella's "system") and he was a non-factor. The irony here is that he was a lot better in 2010 (in the group stages anyway), but the end product just wasn't coming off for him; now he's been incredibly clinical but he's too uninvolved for long periods of the game IMO (although yesterday was an extreme case, for example he's averaged 42 passes per game in this WC thus far, yesterday he only attempted 22!).

Can't really see them beating the Dutch, who've been made into a real team by Van Gaal. Also another game where we'll see two reactive sides who prefer playing on the counter, so I'm not expecting much of a spectacle (I expect Sabella to approach this game very conservatively). Without Di María and a fit Agüero, Holland have a lot more at their disposal to trouble Arg than vice versa. Sneijder has been pretty good and becoming more influential since the knock-out stages, not wholly unexpected given the fact that his side were the ones forced into making the plays with the ball instead of without it as they did against Spain and Chile. Robben is red hot and his energy seems boundless. Only really RVP who looks knackered (mentally as much as physically), but just like Higuaín yesterday 1 goal could make a world of difference.
 
It's not that much about pace - he seems to lack that verve and intensity that made him devastating. What's ridiculous, he's still absurdly good.

By the way, I don't see Netherlands superior to Argentina. In fact, this tournament they've been pretty similar in many ways: solid, reactive teams who scrape out results by virtue of individual quality upfront.

Argentina has been criticized for being dull and shaky at the back, but in what regard have they been differnet than Dutch, who also leaked few goals vs Australia and havent really been spectacular lately?
 
Stocar said:
It's not that much about pace - he seems to lack that verve and intensity that made him devastating. What's ridiculous, he's still absurdly good.
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He doesn't make much off ball movement. Against Netherlands it'll be hard to create chances if he still walks a lot like against Belgium, especially now Di Maria is out.
 
i think Messi was at his peak in terms of dribbling and explosion in the 09/10 season, i think he's lost a bit of pace, infact i remember thinking that's confirmed it when he sprinted like hell for a ball but the defender was quicker. What a player though, such a joy to watch, treasure what were watching here.
 
If you think about it, Messi is a bit of Xavi and Iniesta combined but with a better attacking instinct. He has a the close control of both, the passing and turning of Xavi and the quick dribbles of Iniesta.
 
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