Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain), the heart of Argentine football who stepped on Qatar for the 'last World Cup', is having a hard time.
On the 22nd, he scored the opening goal from a penalty kick in the 10th minute of the first half against Saudi Arabia in the first leg of Group C of the FIFA World Cup Qatar World Cup group stage, but the team suffered a shocking 1-2 defeat.
Messi, who became the scapegoat for the 'Miracle of Lusail' after the name of the Lusail Stadium where the match took place, quickly became a mockery.
After the game, a Saudi Arabian fan broke into the camera of a Korean broadcaster and skillfully asked, "Where did Messi go?"
The Associated Press reported the atmosphere today (25th), saying, "On the streets of Doha, not only Saudi Arabian fans but also Brazilian fans (Argentina's soccer rivals) sing slogans teasing Messi."
Argentina, which is in danger of being eliminated from the group stage for the first time since the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, will play the second match against Mexico at 4:00 am the day after tomorrow (27th) at Lusail Stadium.
Argentina has shown an overwhelming advantage against Mexico over the past 18 years with 8 wins and 2 draws, but if it loses once more, it will be eliminated from the group stage.
Messi, who was pointed out as the cause of the defeat by failing to show his original sharpness in the match against Saudi Arabia, sets out to restore his honor in the match against Mexico.
Enlarge Image
However, before the game, the condition of the left calf is emerging as a problem.
Spanish media Marca reported, "Messi, who was in poor condition before coming to Qatar, suffered a recurrence of the injury in his left leg after the match against Saudi Arabia." .
Messi is the focal point of the Argentine national team not only in terms of power but also mentally.
“There is no doubt that Messi is playing against Mexico, but every time he seeks medical staff and trainers, Argentina is terrified,” said Marca.
(Photo = Getty Image Korea)