Lionel Messi came into the World Cup with the expectation that he would light up the tournament, but the Barcelona superstar leaves empty-handed and without a goal.
It is not something the world footballer of the year and Argentina’s talisman is used to.
Despite being just 23, Messi has won almost every accolade there is and already has an impressive medal collection that few other players, if any, can match.
Sitting in his personal trophy cabinet is already a World Cup winner’s medal, but from 2005 at the junior level. The one still missing is the one he wants the most — a World Cup winner as a senior.
He must now wait until he is 27 for another chance after Germany crushed Argentina on Saturday.
Coach Diego Maradona gave Messi a free role to do as he pleases in the match and the striker opted to operate down the middle.
Argentina were giving him the ball at every opportunity in the hope that he could weave his magic and get them back in the game, but once Germany’s second goal went in his tournament was effectively over.
It is the second time that Messi has seen his World Cup dream shattered by Germany, after they were beaten 4-2 on penalties at the same stage in 2006.
Back then, former coach Jose Pekerman described Messi as “a jewel” but he benched the youngster instead of allowing him to provide the extra degree of lustre required to see off Germany. — AFP