Messi, you're just a Barca brand

MOSCOW: By the time the next World Cup takes place in Qatar, Lionel Messi would be 35.

Logically, the Argentinian has played his last World Cup at the Kazan Arena on Saturday.

But why did the entire world rooted for the Barcelona star at all these World Cups, knowing that he is only good in his club shirt?

Comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo over these years have fuelled the expectations of fans across the globe, but Messi had deprived them of further celebrations in Moscow and elsewhere.

He may have ignited hopes for his countrymen in the last group match against Nigeria in Saint Petersburg last week, but that wasn’t enough.

World Cup is a big tournament and that’s where a player like him should’ve dazzled.

In the last one decade since his debut with Barcelona in 2005, Messi enjoyed a near demi-God status across the various continents and also drew comparisons with compatriot Diego Maradona following that epic goal against Villa Real in La Liga.

From journalists-turned-Barca fans to a tea-seller on a Kolkata street, everybody hailed him as the next star who resembles Maradona.

Achievements speak volumes for a player. That’s why we still recollect Maradona’s goal of the century against England.

However, Messi had flattered to deceive in last three editions and remained success-starved at all the World Cups he had played for his country.

You don’t have to be a great football expert to understand Messi’s shortcomings.

He is an out-an-out Barca player. I don’t doubt his nationalistic feelings, but he never shown that Maradona-like intensity in the World Cups.

In fact, the world media played a key role in making Messi a brand. From comparisons with Ronaldo to mouth-watering duels between Real Madrid and Barca, fans were made to regale Messi’s brilliance in La Liga.

But his brilliant piece of work wasn’t reflected in him at the sport’s grand stage, where a 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe grabbed all the attention.

The Messi-Ronaldo battle has divided a generation of youth, who carry them from drawing rooms to college campuses.

Even most pro-Messi journos often argued that he failed because he didn’t quite the support from his team-mates. A player’s class is determined not by what he does on the field, but also how he leads the team. Maradona inspired a generation of young players like Jorge Burruchaga and others to World Cup glory 32 years ago.

Well, Maradona was a rare talent and leader, who played for his country and club with the same intensity. He’s an icon at Napoli, but when he turned out for the blue stripes, he was simply outstanding.

Finally, I can heave a sigh of relief. Those Maradona-Messi comparisons has come to an end, and Argentina will have to wait for another genius before they revive their lost glory. www.khelupdates.com