One of Argentina’s most prominent legends came out to defend Lionel Messi from critics who think he lacks spirit for the national team.
The Argentina National Team has always been one of Lionel Messi’s soft spots. Ever since he made his debut with the major squad during the 2006 World Cup, he’s reached three Copa America finals and a World Cup final with no luck. For this reason alone, the overwhelming majority of people in Argentina have ruthlessly criticized him. They always tend to brand him as a player with no spirit and constantly compare him to Diego Maradona.
The other great Argentine has deity levels with his compatriot. Unlike Leo, who is only a god to FC Barcelona supporters. But in recent years, we’ve seen a shift in fortune with both his club and country. Where he used to always succeed, ‘La Pulga’ no longer has that respect from everybody at FC Barcelona. There’s even a possibility of him leaving the Blaugranas by the end of next season.
Argentina is Messi’s happy place now.
Things have drastically changed for Messi and Argentina. Compatriot Pablo Aimar and Leo’s childhood idol, has been following his progression in recent months. The national team is no longer a place where he is constantly attacked. Every time we’ve seen him represent his country recently, there’s a smile on his face. Fans in Argentina have high hopes for the upcoming Copa America and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“Messi is happy, it is no small thing to be happy, to enjoy the moments, and obviously go to the games to win,” Aimar told Goal. “Do I see him with the same dedication as always? Who can doubt his dedication, I never had doubts. I like to see him play, I would have liked to seen him elsewhere. I really like to see him train, I have the enormous privilege of seeing him train. Wherever he is, I will watch him play.”