Hey guys, its Lionel Messi from the Argentina national team. Im currently in South Africa waiting for my world cup debut in 10 days from now. Our first game is on June 12 against a strong Nigeria team. Thank you for all the support that has been given to us especially in the days leading up to the world cup, this is when we need it most. We are thankful for our loyal fans that always believe in us. We want to make sure to bring the world cup home for you guys. We have big expectations for the team this year and feel we will be able to compete at the highest level with the best teams in the tournament. We are confident about the group we were put into and think that we have serious potential to compete for the world cup. If we end up winning the world cup we know that when we come home people will be going crazy and everyone will be so exited we were able to win over an extraordinary group of 32 nations. If we loose, when we come back home we know that you guys will all be very disappointed because this is the team to win it with and we have such a great team this year. Hopefully this does not happen and we can make it very far in the tournament, if not win it all. We have so much of pressure to do great and beat every team we face, we hope that you wish us luck.
-Lionel Messi
I agree that the team, especially this year, has the potential to do very well in the semi-finals and possibly even the finals. Although the teams they play arent as skilled as some of the other more experienced teams such as Spain, Brazil and Italy, they still could pose a challenge if Argentina makes a mistake, and their momentum is thrown off. The Argentineans are definately looking up to the team, and if they could pull one off and win the cup, they would be the biggest celebrities in the nation. But also, I think that the nation could be understanding if they do only make it to the semi finals, because the teams they play in that portion of the tournament are the best in the world. I guess we will have to see, but either way, this years world cup will be an extremely exciting one.
ReplyDeleteYes, there is definitely a lot riding on their play in South Africa. It is true, if they win, they will become heroes. Soccer is huge in Argentina. But one controversial issue that Messi has to overcome is the playing style that the coach, Maradona, wants the Argentina National team to play. Messi, playing on the club team: Barcelona FC, likes to be in control and attack with numbers; controlling the offense and having the defenders, like Dani Alves, come out of the back and attack with him. The way Maradona wants the team to play is off counter attacks. He wants to sit off and counter quickly and effectively. These are two very different styles of play that might plague the future of Argentina hopes in South Africa. Messi has to be bigger than the way he wants to play and rise to the occasion if he wants to lead his team to success.
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