Argentina (National Football)

Former Argentina national team manager Jorge Sampaoli has blamed Lionel Messi's struggles with the team and his poor reception in his homeland on Argentine society, saying the people enjoy "destroying things much more" than they enjoy success. 

Per Goal's Chris Burton, Sampaoli made the comments about the Barcelona star while speaking in Brazil:

"I coached the best player in the world, I don't [know] if he's the best in history, because he now has more than 600 goals in Europe, he's broken all the records, but he arrives in his country and he's criticised.

"Beyond his ability, he's a human being, Argentinians struggle to enjoy Messi as Barcelona fans enjoy him.

"The boy suffers a lot, from what I've gone through, he suffers that reality a lot.

"He cannot show the world all that he is when plays for Argentina.

"[Argentine] society enjoys destroying things much more than it enjoys success."

Messi is frequently placed among the greatest players of all time because of his incredible achievements at the club level, but at the age of 31, he has yet to guide Argentina to even a single piece of silverware, apart from an Olympic title in 2008.

Per Jere Longman of the New York Times, Messi has never been a popular figure in his homeland due to his decision to leave for Barcelona at the age of 13.

While he has collected an incredible amount of trophies in Spain―he can win his 10th La Liga title on Saturday and has won the UEFA Champions League four times―his lack of success with the Albiceleste has only added to his low popularity in Argentina.

The latest heartbreak came at last year's World Cup, where the South Americans lost 4-3 to eventual champions France in the knockout stages:

Sampaoli coached the team during that tournament and was sacked shortly after. Messi briefly stepped away from the team, but has since returned and will lead the Albiceleste at the Copa America this summer.

Argentina won't go into that tournament as the favourite to win, with archrivals Brazil hosting and the Albiceleste in dreadful form. The 3-1 defeat against Venezuela in a March friendly highlighted a lack of discipline and organisation, per ESPN FC:

Messi is Argentina's all-time top scorer, sitting well ahead of the likes of Gabriel Batistuta, Sergio Aguero, Hernan Crespo and Diego Maradona.

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has slammed the Argentinian media for the treatment he receives and says his "friends and family suffer from the lies." 

Messi made his first appearance for Argentina since the 2018 FIFA World Cup in a 3-1 friendly defeat to Venezuela over the international break but missed their subsequent match against Morocco due to injury.

He has now spoken about the criticism that has been directed his way in an interview with Club Octubre 94.7 FM:

Messi goes in on the media. 👀 pic.twitter.com/AgwyxvITZf

— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 29, 2019

The 31-year-old also talked in the same interview about how his son had even picked up on the criticism (h/t Goal).

"It is hard, my son is always looking on YouTube and saw a video. He asked me why in Argentina they want to kill me! But I like to keep going. I still want to win something with the national team. I am going to play all the important games. We already reached a World Cup final [in 2014], and this is not that easy."

Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever to grace the game and has recently taken the top three places when Barcelona asked fans to vote for the club's greatest-ever goal:

And the Barça Best Goal Ever is....🥁🥁🥁 pic.twitter.com/MMhis02OZg

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 28, 2019

Despite winning multiple titles with Barcelona he is frequently blamed for Argentina's lack of success and failure to lift the World Cup since 1986.

La Albiceleste endured a difficult tournament in Russia in 2018. They struggled through the group stages and were then knocked out by eventual winners France.

Messi told Club Octubre 94.7 FM (h/t Roy Nemer at Mundo Albiceleste) why he opted to take a break from international football after the competition:

"After the World Cup, I didn't feel like talking. I wanted to be locked up and suffer on my own with my family. I wanted to get away from everything. Get away from the national team and look at things coldly. We've been mistreated for over a decade despite our achievements. This is despite not winning any trophies. We played three finals and to end the cycle this way. This generation had to deal with things that no other Argentina team had to deal with. So for people to say such crazy things and so many lies with a straight face, to be honest, I never saw that before."

Messi's next chance of glory with Argentina is at the 2019 Copa America in Brazil.

Manager Lionel Scaloni has said he expects the Barcelona star to be in the squad for the tournament, per Reuters (h/t Football Italia).

The 31-year-old has tasted disappointment in the Copa America previously, losing in the final in 2007, 2015 and 2016.

Messi will be hoping to go one better this time around, as this summer's competition represents potentially one of his last chances to try and lift a trophy with the national team.

Argentina forward Gonzalo Higuain announced his retirement from international football on Thursday. 

Speaking to Fox Sports (h/t Daniel Edwards of Goal), the Chelsea man said his time with the Albiceleste had come to an end.

"I think that it is over," he said. "Thinking things through in depth, my time is up. I want to enjoy my family, and my time. To the joy of many, and maybe not so much for others, my time is up. You can now stop worrying about whether I am there or not."

Higuain represented Argentina on 75 occasions and netted an impressive 31 goals. It's a haul only bettered by iconic figures Lionel Messi, Gabriel Batistuta, Sergio Aguero, Hernan Crespo and Diego Maradona.

Despite his record in front of goal, Higuain will be remembered mostly for his misses at international level, as football writer Peter Coates highlighted:

Gonzalo Higuaín has confirmed his retirement from international football - 31 Argentina goals puts Pipita 6th in the all-time list but will be better remembered for the misses pic.twitter.com/80FYXNK9QU

— GOLAZO (@golazoargentino) March 28, 2019

The striker famously spurned a clear-cut chance in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, flashing a shot wide after an errant header from Germany's Toni Kroos. The Germans went on to win the match in extra time, with Mario Gotze scoring the winner.

In addition, he also missed big opportunities in two Copa America finals against Chile in 2015 and 2016; Argentina went on to lose both finals via penalties after 0-0 draws, with Higuain missing in the 2015 shootout.

The Blizzard relayed some of his worst moments in Argentina colours: 

Gonzalo Higuaín has announced his retirement from international football.

He will be sorely missed.pic.twitter.com/htqnQF9B7k

— The Blizzard (@blzzrd) March 28, 2019

Nizaar Kinsella of Goal reflected on an international career that could have been so different for the former Napoli and Real Madrid striker:

Upon retiring, Gonzalo Higuain is sixth in his country's all time scoring list. It seems the criticism over the years have taken its toll, that blue and white jersey is a heavy one to wear. He can definitely hold his head high, but three runner up medals show how close he came

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) March 28, 2019

"We have been called failures for making three straight finals and not winning them, one of those a World Cup," Higuain said to Fox Sports of the near misses for the team. "For me, failing is something else, but now let them take care of the new players, a lot of people enjoy criticising more than supporting."

Higuain leaves the international stage at a critical point in his career, as the 31-year-old is on loan at Chelsea from Juventus until the end of the campaign. He spent the first half of the season on loan at AC Milan.

According to the Guardian, the Blues have the option to sign Higuain permanently for £31.3 million. Since January, he's netted three times in seven outings in English football's top flight.

Lionel Messi will play for Argentina at the 2019 Copa America in Brazil, according to Albiceleste manager Lionel Scaloni. 

Messi made his first international appearance since the 2018 FIFA World Cup last week, but he could not prevent Argentina falling to a 3-1 friendly loss to Venezuela:

Venezuela have beaten Argentina for just the second time in their history; the first time by two clear goals.

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLWLLDDW

Lionel Messi's first game back has not gone as planned. 😳 pic.twitter.com/zwCXcFIHr0

— Squawka (@Squawka) March 22, 2019

The Barcelona superstar also picked up a groin injury, meaning he will not be available for Tuesday's meeting with Morocco.

However, Scaloni has confirmed Messi will be part of the squad for the summer's Copa America, per Reuters (h/t Football Italia):

"Leo will be in Copa America. It is evident he will be. He showed maximum will here, and we see he is very driven. When the match against Venezuela finished, we talked about the match, not about what is to come. We will work to get a better team.

"Too much dependence on Messi? We have to work for that not to happen, for every player not to be always drawn to Leo, he will help us win matches, that's for sure."

Messi, 31, has suffered disappointment in three previous editions of the Copa America when Argentina lost in the finals of the 2007, 2015 and 2016 tournaments.

He also came up short of achieving international glory at the 2014 FIFA World Cup when his side lost in the final to Germany.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has achieved just about everything in his glittering career, winning 32 major honours with Barcelona.

However, a major international trophy has eluded him thus far—with his only title being a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics.

This summer's Copa America could be his last chance to change that, although there is another edition of the South American tournament in Colombia in 2020.

Messi briefly called time on his international career after losing in the 2016 Copa America final to Chile, Argentina's third major final defeat in as many years.

He returned on that occasion to help his country qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

But if Argentina fail to go all the way in Brazil, Messi's time on the international stage may be up.

The 2019 Copa America kicks off on June 14, and Argentina are in Group B with Colombia, Paraguay and Qatar.   

Lionel Messi plays better for Barcelona than Argentina because he has a "different attitude" when with his club, according to former Argentina captain Daniel Passarella.

Messi made his first International appearance since the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Friday but could not prevent Argentina from losing 3-1 to Venezuela in a friendly, and he also picked up a groin injury.

He could not reproduce the form that has seen him score 29 La Liga goals in 26 games for Barca this season.

Passarella, who led Argentina to World Cup glory at their home tournament in 1978, believes Messi's differing form for club and country comes down to attitude, per Goal's Chris Burton:

"He's a great player who can give a lot to any team. But when he plays for Barcelona he has a different attitude. He's better there. Sometimes these things happen. You play well for a team and they love you, but you don't feel at ease and something doesn't fit. I don't know what it is, but it should be something you feel inside."

Messi, 31, has won 32 major honours with Barcelona, as well as five Ballons d'Or and five European Golden Shoes.

At international level, though, his only silverware is a 2008 Olympic gold medal.

The Rosario-born superstar has since finished as a runner-up at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, as well as the 2015 Copa America and 2016 Copa America.

After the latter disappointment, Messi briefly retired from the international game. He subsequently returned and played a crucial role in Argentina qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, which they exited at the last-16 stage to eventual winners France.

Messi's return of 65 goals in 129 caps for Argentina is impressive by normal standards, but it does not match his club return, which is almost a goal per game across his career.

As well as potentially feeling less comfortable in the Argentina side than he does with the Blaugrana, Messi is also regularly let down by his team-mates on the international stage.

Argentina often fail to live up to their enormous potential, and it was again apparent against Venezuela that a majority of the team were playing below their best:

Full time. Argentina 1-3 Venezuela. Messi and Lautaro Martinez just about the only two players who bothered to turn up.

— Daniel Edwards 💚 (@DanEdwardsGoal) March 22, 2019

Last night’s WhatsApp match report from the Wanda Metropolitano as Messi returns with Argentina. pic.twitter.com/xziNxsCPzM

— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) March 23, 2019

Due to his knock, Messi is likely to miss Tuesday's friendly against Morocco.

He should be back in international action in the summer, though, when Argentina will have another crack at winning the Copa America.

The Albiceleste will be in Group B at the Brazil tournament, alongside Colombia, Paraguay and Qatar.   

Argentina forward Lionel Messi will miss his country's friendly with Morocco on Tuesday after picking up a groin injury.

As relayed by Goal's Daniel Edwards, the team's Twitter account confirmed Messi suffered the issue during the clash with Venezuela on Friday:

In perhaps the least surprising news of the night (apart from how bad the defence was because, well, Argentina) Lionel Messi has been ruled out of the game against Morocco with an injury that almost certainly won't rule him out of any Barcelona games. https://t.co/Cu5m4VK0PG

— Daniel Edwards 💚 (@DanEdwardsGoal) March 22, 2019

It was Messi's first match for the national team since the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Despite having the Barcelona star available again, the Albiceleste slumped to a shock 3-1 loss.

The 31-year-old has had good fortune with injuries during his career and has played at least 49 matches in all but one of his past 10 seasons—he played only 46 matches in 2013-14, per Transfermarkt.

Barcelona have stormed to La Liga's summit with Messi leading their line, and he leads the league's scoring charts with 29 goals in 26 appearances. His record on the season sits at 39 goals and 18 assists in 37 appearances in the league and UEFA Champions League.

A fracture to the radial bone in his right arm sidelined Messi for three weeks earlier this season. The club nevertheless went unbeaten in the five matches played without their talisman, winning four and drawing against Inter Milan in their Champions League group.

Ousmane Dembele may switch back to the right wing and Philippe Coutinho could get pushed into an advanced wide-left role during Messi's absence.

Barcelona face local rivals Espanyol after this weekend's international break, and Blaugrana boss Ernesto Valverde will be hopeful the forward is back at full fitness for that encounter.

Venezuela defeated Argentina 3-1 in an international friendly Friday at Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid.

Salomon Rondon opened the scoring for Venezuela in the sixth minute, with Jhon Murillo and Josef Martinez finding the back of the net as well. Lautaro Martinez scored Argentina's only goal in the 59th minute.

The match saw Lionel Messi return to Argentina after taking a voluntary break from La Albiceleste. The Barcelona star stepped back after the 2018 World Cup when Argentina lost to eventual champions France in the round of 16.

Argentina were without a few of their more experienced veterans. Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi are both injured and thus unavailable to coach Lionel Scaloni. Mauro Icardi only just returned to training for Inter Milan following a prolonged dispute with the club. Sergio Aguero, meanwhile, continues to be effectively frozen out by Scaloni.

The cries to include Aguero are likely to grow louder following Argentina's loss.

      

Argentina Destined for Copa America Heartbreak Despite Lionel Messi's Return

Nobody expected Messi's return to immediately paper over all of the cracks in Argentina's setup. The last few international tournaments have laid bare the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's limitations with regard to his carrying the national team.

One would've expected Messi to provide some sort of lift—both direct and indirect—for this friendly, however.

Instead, Venezuela needed just six minutes to tear apart the Argentina defense on the counter-attack.

🇻🇪 GOOOAAAL: In just the 6th minute, Rondon puts @FVF_Oficial up 1️⃣-0️⃣over @Argentina pic.twitter.com/5cYGo64YHy

— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) March 22, 2019

According to ESPN FC, Venezuela had just four shots on target and 34 percent of possession. La Vinotinto had the perfect game plan to attack Argentina. They sat back, defended and then used their speed to quickly carve up Argentina's three-man back line.

Credit to Venezuela mind, who defended brilliantly throughout and took their chances when they came. There's a lot to like about this Vinotinto side, not least outrageously talented goalkeeper Wuilker Fariñez.

— Daniel Edwards 💚 (@DanEdwardsGoal) March 22, 2019

Historically speaking, Argentina have dominated Venezuela, but they were clearly the second-best team on the pitch Friday.

Venezuela have beaten Argentina for just the second time in their history; the first time by two clear goals.

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLWLLDDW

Lionel Messi's first game back has not gone as planned. 😳 pic.twitter.com/zwCXcFIHr0

— Squawka (@Squawka) March 22, 2019

One could argue the result is ultimately meaningless and thus not a cause for concern. Argentina's performance says otherwise. The team looked listless and out of sync, which isn't ideal with the Copa America right around the corner.

To some extent, Scaloni replaced Jorge Sampaoli at the most inopportune time. He has only one year to put his imprint on the squad before the Copa America gets underway, and he now has to figure Messi back into his plans ahead of the tournament.

As a result, Argentina are stuck in a sort of purgatory where they arguably need to start building to their next generation while simultaneously aiming for a winner's medal in Brazil this summer after finishing runners-up in 2015 and 2016.

What's worrying about Argentina is that Scaloni has had enough matches to know or at least have an idea of how he wants his team to play. With very little matches left before the Copa America, the team has no identity. That is worrying the most.

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) March 22, 2019

Scaloni is coaching for his job as well since the national team federation made him Sampaoli's full-time replacement only through the Copa America. Argentina might be moving onto another coach if they suffer a disappointing exit.

If Argentina played in an American sports league, now would be the time to start tanking and loading up on draft picks to assemble a contender in three or four years. That kind of strategy might be impossible given the passion and expectations of the fanbase.

As a result, Argentina are left throwing out an inferior team, and that remains the case whether Messi is present or not.

       

What's Next?

Venezuela have an exhibition scheduled with the Catalonia national team for Monday. According to Marca, Gerard Pique, Xavi Hernandez, Oriol Romeu and Aleix Vidal will be among those representing Catalonia. Argentina play one more friendly before heading to Brazil for Copa America 2019. They will meet Morocco on Tuesday.

Argentina face Venezuela in an international friendly on Friday, with Lionel Messi present in La Albiceleste's squad.

The match will take place at Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Spain before the South Americans make the short hop to play Morocco away on Tuesday.

After losing 1-0 to Brazil through a last-minute goal in October, Argentina bounced back with back-to-back 2-0 wins over Mexico.

According to Marca's Juan Castro, Messi is set to feature on Friday but could miss his country's game in Morocco.

                                                            

Time: 8 p.m. GMT/4 p.m. ET

Date: Friday, March 22

TV Info: BeIN Sports (U.S.)

Live Stream: BeIN Sports Connect, fuboTV (U.S.)

Odds: Argentina 1-4, Venezuela 10-1, draw 9-2 (via Oddschecker)

                                           

Preview

After a disappointing display at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Argentina hope to press the reset button on their fortunes this year.

Importantly for new manager Lionel Scaloni, Messi has opted to continue his international career despite some disappointing results with his country.

At 40, the former Argentina assistant manager has taken the reins as the boss before his country embark on their 2019 Copa America campaign.

Argentina scraped through qualification to reach Russia 2018, but due to their lofty reputation in South America, they will be one of the favourites to prevail at the 46th edition of the Copa, which will be held in Brazil next summer.

The continent's teams have caught up with the Argentinians. As Brazil continue to build a new dynasty with Neymar at their core, Uruguay, Colombia and Chile are proving they are top-class opponents.

Venezuela's work ethic will challenge Argentina in the Spanish capital, but with Messi pulling the strings, the result should fall in Scaloni's favour.

The presence of Salomon Rondon and Tomas Rincon will give La Vinotinto a fighting chance against their illustrious opponents, but the minnows finished bottom of World Cup qualifying due to a lack of goals.

Rondon has featured as a regular for Newcastle United in the Premier League, scoring nine goals and providing five assists this term, but Argentina's defence are used to facing more prolific forward lines.

According to Ben Pringle of the Daily Express, La Albiceleste will not have the services of Sergio Aguero or Gonzalo Higuain in Madrid. Mauro Icardi is also absent from the squad, with Nicolas Otamendi pulling out due to injury.

Angel Di Maria has also been forced to withdraw from Argentina's travelling party with a muscle injury, per Goal.

Former Argentina manager and national-team director Cesar Luis Menotti has said he is worried over the condition of Lionel Messi ahead of his return to international football.

Messi is set to represent Argentina for the first time since the 2018 FIFA World Cup in a friendly against Venezuela on Friday. Heading into the game, he's been in red-hot form for Barcelona, netting a hat-trick on Sunday in the 4-1 win over Real Betis.

Despite his recent displays, Menotti told FM 94.7 (h/t Dejan Kalinic of Goal) he's concerned about the condition of the 31-year-old ahead of the meeting with Venezuela, then Morocco four days later.

"I'm afraid that Messi plays," said the 1978 World Cup-winning manager. "I see him with important emotional fatigue between the Champions League and the national team. I see him very tired. If he wants to play with Argentina, better."

Ahead of his return to Argentina duty, OptaJean summed up just how prolific Messi has been in Argentina colours compared to the rest of the current squad:

85 – International goals scored by :

🇵🇹Cristiano Ronaldo - 85 ⚽️
The other 24 players called up to the Portugal squad - 48 ⚽️

🇦🇷Lionel Messi - 65 ⚽️
The other 29 players called up to the Argentina squad - 33 ⚽️

Comeback. pic.twitter.com/6NzHNOCVuQ

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) March 19, 2019

If the Barcelona icon is feeling jaded at this stage of the season, he is hiding it well, as he's arguably turned in two of his best displays of the campaign in the last two matches.

In the second leg of Barcelona's UEFA Champions League showdown with Lyon, Messi turned on the style at the Camp Nou, netting twice and laying on two assists in an emphatic 5-1 win:

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1106041853781118977

Four days later, he put in arguably an even better display. Real Betis were powerless to prevent Messi from running riot in the La Liga showdown, and he scored a sensational hat-trick.

His third goal on the day was so good the home supporters showed their appreciation for his genius:

https://twitter.com/itvfootball/status/1107415004389801984

Aside from his outrageous natural talent, one of the biggest assets Messi has is his durability. Despite being so heavily relied on for Barcelona, he never buckles under the strain and constantly delivers in terms of goals and assists.

It's been a little tougher for Messi for Argentina down the years. In 2016, he actually retired from international football following the team's loss to Chile in the Copa America final, but he reversed his decision and helped the Albiceleste qualify for the last summer's World Cup.

Simon Hughes of The Independent noted some hold Diego Maradona in higher esteem than Messi:

In Buenos Aires. It has been explained clearly to me why Maradona will always be regarded as greater than Messi. A) He’s never played in Argentina; for Boca or River. B) He’s from Rosario not Buenos Aires. C) He’s never won the World Cup. D) He’s never won the World Cup in 1986.

— Simon Hughes (@Simon_Hughes__) February 2, 2019

There are still opportunities for Messi to sample success for the national team, though, starting with the Copa America in the summer. Given there's little sign of him slowing down, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Barcelona man at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, too.

At that point in his career, Messi's minutes may need managing a little more. But at the moment, he inspires every time he walks on to a football pitch.  

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has been called up to the Argentina squad for the first time since the 2018 FIFA World Cup:

OFFICIAL: Leo Messi returns to the Argentina squad for this month's international friendlies 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/YfDiS3ofNQ

— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 7, 2019

The forward opted to take a break from international football after La Albiceleste's disappointing showing in Russia, where they were knocked out in the last 16 of the tournament by France.

However, Messi has now returned to the squad for March friendlies against Venezuela and Morocco:

#SelecciónMayor Ésta es la lista de futbolistas convocados por el entrenador Lionel Scaloni para los próximos amistosos de la @Argentina. pic.twitter.com/a16vUSMQSJ

— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) March 7, 2019

Argentina play Venezuela at Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano stadium on March 22 and then face Morocco in Tangier four days later.

Messi is expected to play the first match in Madrid but will not travel to Morocco, according to Tyc Sports (h/t AS Argentina via AS).

Argentina have lost only once in six matches since the World Cup, but the return of their talisman will still be a big boost.

Squawka Football highlighted Messi's international record:

Lionel Messi for Argentina:

⚽️ Most goals (65)
👕 Third-most appearances (128)

A welcomed return to La Albiceleste. pic.twitter.com/KjIVaHY4tp

— Squawka (@Squawka) March 7, 2019

The squad does contain some high-profile absentees. Manager Lionel Scaloni has omitted strikers Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Mauro Icardi from his latest squad.

Messi has been in sensational form once again for Barcelona this season. The Argentine has 33 goals in all competitions for Ernesto Valverde's side and has also contributed 12 assists:

RT 🔁 if you were alive to watch Leo Messi play football. pic.twitter.com/zTvgKwpews

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) February 25, 2019

Argentina will use March's friendly matches to prepare for the 2019 Copa America tournament. La Albiceleste have been drawn in Group B and will take on Colombia, Paraguay and Qatar in Brazil.

The tournament is one of the few trophies Messi is still yet to lift in his glittering career, and he's been unable to deliver success for Argentina despite being part of a squad packed full of talent.

The Barcelona star has been a losing finalist in the Copa America three times, but Argentina will be hoping he can inspire his team to victory this summer.