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‘Maradonian’ and ‘Spicy’: Argentina Press Reacts To Messi’s Performance In 2-2 Uruguay Draw

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Scoring his second goal in two games, as well as providing an assist for Sergio Aguero, FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi was at the forefront of Argentina’s heated 2-2 draw with Uruguay on Monday evening.

A man possessed on his quest to land a first major trophy in Albiceleste colours, the press back in his homeland was again impressed by both his performance and dedication to the cause in Tel Aviv.

‘In the last friendlies against Brazil and Uruguay, Lionel Messi reaffirmed, in case anyone had any doubts, that he is 100% committed to the Argentine National Team: he is still 10, the captain, and the leader of Lionel Scaloni’s team,’ began an Olé editorial piece. 

‘First he converted the winner against the yellow and green and then put the penalty in against the Celeste for the 2-2 draw. I mean, he did what he always does,’ it was continued.

‘But this year, aged 32, Leo has not been the same. He has changed, released [himself] and shown all his character. To everything he usually brings on the pitch, he has added a new facet...Yes, this is the 2019 version of Messi, Maradonian and his victims have been several: VAR, Conmebol, [Brazil coach] Tite and now Edinson Cavani [who he clashed with in yesterday’s match].’

With ‘Maradonian’, the sports daily - which called the new-look team ‘The Lions’ on its front page in Argentina this morning - obviously refers to World Cup-winner Diego Maradona. It is attempting to suggest that though unquestionably able to match his genius, Messi now boasts the aggresive, do-or-die side to his game that people in their homeland often felt was missing and has been repeatedly interpreted as a lack of will.

‘There is a new Lionel Messi, but with the same objectives: to win a title with the Argentine National Team and make those who still criticise fall in love with it,’ the article ended emphatically.

Elsewhere, Diego Macas wrote that: ‘Argentina had a double date against Brazil and Uruguay to end 2019 and with the return of Leo [there were] many questions: would the team continue to grow with Leo on the pitch? Not only did he stand up, he showed a combative attitude, of heading forward, of having patience and not caving in at the first hit.’

‘It is not just about results,’ Macas insisted. ‘The symbols of transformation were seen at the Copa América. Although there are doubts in some positions, the new names have given another profile to Messi's own role in the group. The captain remains decisive and the formation of this team gives him other responsibilities.’

In another separate analysis, it was claimed that with Messi as captain, the Argentina national team ‘doesn’t give up’. Over at La Nacion, their own editorial was titled ‘Messi, Always the Leader’ and began by saying the Barça icon was ‘undoubtedly one of the highest points of the match between Argentina and Uruguay.’ 

‘The captain stood out in defence and attack,’ it was expanded further. ‘He led the great majority of the plays in the opposition’s half, and was in charge of the [passing] connections with his companions. With an accurate free kick, he assisted Sergio Agüero for 1-1, and in a dizzying close [to the match], it was the Argentine captain himself in charge of marking the final [goal to make it] 2-2 from the penalty spot. Beyond his charisma, the Argentine 10 left Tel Aviv wrapped in a deserved ovation.’

Finding that he ‘brought skill and personality’ to the tie, Argentina has lamented the fact it won’t see the five-time Ballon d’Or winner represent his homeland for another 100 days.

When those have passed however, qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup in the tough Conmebol South American qualifying group will begin before the club season’s conclusion paves the way for a home Copa America shared with Colombia.

For a fanatic soccer-worshipping country that will have by then gone 27 years without major silverware, it is hoped that Messi can break both their hex and his to perhaps finally be considered the greatest player of all time.