Saturday, July 10, 2021
So this evening at 5pm kicks off Lionel Messi's penultimate opportunity to earn a title for Argentina, one that has eluded La Albiceleste since 1993.While most the world has focused on the Euro, the Copa America 2021 championships conclude a tournament featuring Wall-to-Wall, heart-filled, non-stop action. In comparison, The Copa has been a hard tackling, dirty affair, tallying 102 yellow cards by 10 teams across 27 matches. The nicer Europeans managed only 136 yellow cards by 24 teams across 50 matches. Don't play in adult soccer leagues in South America without shin guards and supplemental health insurance!
Leo Messi has worn his heart on his sleeve throughout the tourney, hussling, providing leadership, notching many assists, and scoring four goals (tied for tournament lead). He is just two goals short of Pele's South American international competitions record. Messi is surrounded by a younger squad featuring some promising up-and- comers. I would say the team is very nearly as good as the 2014 World Cup team. Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez are both creative and dangerous, showing better finishing in the final third than 2014 group. However, this defense is more susceptible than the 2014 WC Runners Up. As an ARG fan, that Achilles heel worries me.
A random note for Argentina fans: if Scaloni starts Nico Gonzalez, ARG has a 50% chance at best to win. If he stays longer than 60 minutes, ARG's chances fall to 35%. I was pulling out my non- existant hair during his poor performance vs Ecuador in the quarterfinals, with blown shots off easy passes from Messi, a near own goal, and useless fouls, one of which led to a yellow card (woulda been a red card at the Euros!)
I predict Messi gets a goal, with regulation ending in a 2-2 tie with penalty kicks, giving an edge to Brazil given Argentina's PK's history.
Nico Gonzalez came off the bench late... Late enough not to mess up the game plan for ARG...and Messi finally got what he long deserved... A title for ARG under his wing!
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