Argentina have a lot to work on after a surprising failure in the first group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar against Saudi Arabia (1-2), and Lionel Messi has once again become a target.

On Saturday night, Argentina will play in the company of Mexico in a match that is expected to be decisive for a place in the 1/8 finals, especially after Poland defeated Saudi Arabia (2-0) and climbed to the top of Group C.

Lionel Messi, who is widely considered to be largely responsible for Argentina’s eventual defeat in this final tournament, continues to receive a lot of criticism from the sporting world.

Zico, a former Brazil great, is the latest to attack the Argentine star.

Zico believes that Lionel Messi does not have leadership qualities

According to infobae.com, Zico lashed out at the current Paris Saint-Germain player and said that although he wears the captain’s armband, he is not a real leader for his colleagues.

“He is a captain who doesn’t talk to anyone, I think he lacks leadership qualities. He only wears the armband because he is Messi. Argentina can win 4-0 or lose 1-2 and he will just continue to play his game without straying from his path.

He does not call anyone to him, does not shout at anyone. Don’t talk to anyone. There are moments when the captain has to assert himself.

When I was the captain of the national team, I was around 30 years old and I controlled the other players. This is not Messi’s characteristic.” – said Zico.

Tournament table of group C

1. Poland 4p (2 mj)

2. Saudi Arabia 3p (2 mJ)

3. Mexico 1 year (1 mJ)

4. Argentina 0p (1 mJ)

Know:

• Lionel Messi became the first Argentinian player to score in 4 World Cup finals (2006, 2014, 2018, 2022). Thus, the PSG star surpasses Gabriel Batistuta (1994, 1998, 2002) and Diego Maradona (1982, 1986, 1994).

• The last time Argentina lost their opening game at a FIFA World Cup was in the 1990 World Cup, when the Cougars lost to Cameroon (0-1 at the San Siro).

• The last time Argentina lost was in the semifinals of the Copa America 2019 (July 3), when they were beaten by Brazil (0:2). Then there were 36 matches without defeat.

• Argentina won the World Cup title twice, in 1978 and 1986.

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