The two greatest footballers of Argentina, Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona have expressed strong opinions before the crucial Copa America Final against Chile.
Diego Maradona has piled the pressure on the Argentinean Football Team by stating that if they do not manage to win the Copa America, it will be better that they do not come back home. At a time when Argentina has been performing exceptionally, many fans would regard the remark as provocative and unnecessary.
According to a report by ESPN, Maradona issued a firm warning to his countrymen, “Of course I think we’ll win. But if you don’t win, don’t come back.”
The 55-year-old Argentinean is known to wear his heart on his sleeve and comment unfiltered remarks about the game he so dearly loves.
On Thursday, Argentina had advanced to the final of the Copa America by convincingly thrashing United States 4-0. The win was probably the most convincing performance by Argentina in the tournament as they didn’t even allow United States to take a single chance on goal.
This also marks the 30th anniversary of Maradona’s famous goal against England, often regarded as the goal of the century, that eventually helped Argentina win the World Cup in 1986. Lionel Messi would be hoping to help his national team in a similar way on Sunday, as Argentina look to win their first Copa America title in 23 years.
Lionel Messi left frustrated and annoyed by AFA yet again.
The 29-year-old Barcelona star criticized the Argentine Football Federation profoundly, calling them a “disaster” after their team’s flight from Houston was delayed. With the Argentinean squad scheduled to fly from Houston to New Jersey, Messi vented his frustration on Instagram while he and his team-mates were forced to wait out the delay.
“Once again waiting on a plane to leave for our destination,” Messi wrote.
“What a disaster the AFA are. My god!”
Argentina, despite all the delays and warnings, go into the Copa America Final as firm favorites to lift the trophy. The free-flowing forward line for Argentina have held them in good stead, having scored an impressive 18 goals in the 5 games they’ve played so far. Add to that, the solid defensive performance that has only leaked 2 goals in those 5 games.
The Argentina squad has the depth and quality, in abundance, to overcome Chile in the final. Understandably, Lionel Messi could be the deciding factor in determining which country clinches the trophy.
