Argentina Sucks and it's Not Messi's Fault
Ever since Messi led Argentina to the World Cup Final in 2014, Argentina has been a major disappointment. Although this is not Messi's fault, it is only hurting his legacy.
Right now, Copa America 2019 is in full-flight. With two games played, Argentina is dead-last in their group and they currently have a worse goal-differential than Qatar (per ESPN). Messi has been the only goal scorer and his goal came from the penalty spot. Argentina lost 2-0 to Colombia and they then went on to draw 1-1 against Paraguay. Argentina (per ESPN). But who's to blame for Argentina's woes?
The National
Although I would love to throw Messi under the bus and get his loyal followers in a tizzy, I just can't do that. The blame falls solely on the manager, Lionel Sebastian Scaloni. Why? Because the lineups he's picked have been horrid. Yesterday, Sergio Aguero, arguably the best striker on the planet, was used as a substitute as well as Angel Di Maria of PSG. To make matters even worse, Paulo Dybala was an unused substitute in not only Argentina's most recent game against Paraguay but against Venezuela as well. Oh… and Gonzalo Higuain and Mauro Icardi aren’t even on the team.
NSS Magazine
It seems like Argentina is shooting themselves in the foot. There's no reason Aguero and Di Maria don't start every game and Dybala at the very least should be used as a substitute. Also, Tottenham youngster Juan Foyth has been snubbed at the center-back and right-back position. Instead, Milton Casco has made the most recent appearance at right-back and he plays his football right in Argentina. Foyth should be playing and this tournament proves a valuable opportunity for him.
Evening Standard
You know what's even funnier than Argentina snubbing Foyth for an Atletico River Plate player? Snubbing Sergio Romero for a player from the same club. I mean you really can't make this stuff up. Argentina has the players to build a formidable squad but they're neglecting to do so.
Obviously, this is purely opinion based. I'm not at Argentina's training sessions or in their locker room. But if one thing is for sure, the line-ups that Scaloni has been putting together have been, to say the least. You have the best player in the history of the sport on your squad. It shouldn't be that hard to build a successful squad around him when those players are premier talents.
Marca Claro Argentina
So now Argentina faces Qatar in what is a must-win game. Scaloni needs to put talent on the field so teams won't be able to concentrate on Messi. The formula isn't a crazy one, but it's one that's eluded Argentina for quite some time.
