National media outlets have given their opinion on Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi after the forward’s performance last night for Argentina against Chile at the Copa America.
The reigning Ballon d’Or holder was again named in Lionel Scaloni’s starting XI as Messi completed the entire match for Argentina, though the attacker admitted after the game that he felt something tight in his hamstring.
Whilst Messi wasn’t on the scoresheet in Argentina’s 1-0 win against Chile, the 37-year-old attacker was again superb for La Albiceleste, with the reigning Copa America holders booking their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
And the media have now given their verdict on Messi’s performance for Argentina.
Messi looked ‘dangerous’ in Argentina’s Copa America win vs Chile
Even when playing most of the match carrying an injury, Messi’s performance was overall impressive for Argentina, and the media were quick to praise the Inter Miami captain at the full-time whistle.
ESPN handed Messi an 8/10 rating, with the former PSG and FC Barcelona star praised for his attacking intent, in which the 37-year-old hit the post twice against Chile.
90min were also complimentary of Messi, with the Inter Miami star praised for his ‘dangerous’ passing and for being the creative heartbeat for Argentina in the final-third, with the forward again let down by his teammates.
Finally, Goal lauded Messi for his playmaking qualities against Chile, with the publication even calling out for the Argentina star to be more selfish on the night as the forward had chances of his own to score.
Messi is showing why he’s still one of the best in the world at the Copa America
At 37-years-old, Messi is very much at the tail-end of his career, with this summer’s Copa America potentially the last international tournament the soccer great ever competes in.
Yet even at his veteran age, Messi is still showing why he’s still one of the best players on the planet with Argentina, who now look like the clear favorites to win the Copa America this summer.
Indeed, Messi has impressed in the first two games of the competition, and heading into the knockout stage, the Inter Miami star will want to push himself further to help Argentine reclaim the Copa America title.