Lionel Messi's 2019 with Argentina came to a close on Monday night, with it having been arguably his best year with the Albiceleste.
He was their captain, their leader and their most influential player, both on and off the field.
The diminutive forward, who has lived in Barcelona since the age of 10, has often been criticised back in Argentina for his apparent lack of passion for the national team.
The year 2019 saw his return to the national team after taking a mini sabbatical following the end of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He returned just in time for the Copa America, where his side lost 2-0 to eventual champions Brazil in the semi-finals.
Despite scoring five goals in 10 games in 2019, it was Messi's passion that drew the most attention. Having been criticised for not signing the national anthem in the past, he was captured singing the national anthem at the top of his lungs during the Copa America.
This, coupled with his fight against the 'injustice' against his country with regard to refereeing decisions, struck a chord with his country.
For the first time they see a leader who cares; someone who is leading both on and off the field. A paternal voice to this young team; someone who can share his experience to bring out the best in the Albiceleste's young talent.
It was not his best year in terms of performances. He had an irregular Copa America, where he failed to shine before the semi-final. He then received a red card against Chile in the third-place playoff.
But it was his anger against Gary Medel which earned him a red card that the Argentinian public liked. The version that asked Brazil head coach Tite to shut up or the one that picked a fight with Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani.
This is the version that his country have been waiting to emerge for over 10 years. The Messi of 2019 strengthened his ties with his country.
Abu→bd
583
no, 2014 was the best + heartbroken year
raynknight
502
Whenever I have trouble sleeping, I find Messi’s goals on YouTube and watch them on a loop,”
ForcaBarca/Ind
351
2014 was best, despite World Cup heartbreak
raynknight
337
I've never bean a fan of stats but this got me
raynknight
301
In spite of all the criticism that he garners, all the expectations that he shoulders, all the hate that people pour on him, he does his part again. He pulls his socks up every matchday, puts on his Argentine uniform, wears his heart on his sleeves, and importantly dances with the ball. He always has to come under fire for his national team’s failures. Apparently, it is his fault that his nation lacks an international trophy. While everyone would be on their heels to mention his penalty miss, no one would mention his player of the tournament awards, which prove that he guided his nation to three finals, not destroy his nation’s hopes. Vandalise his statues, stamp on his photos, spit on his records, what do you achieve? People couldn't even separate the ball from his left foot even in after breaking his statue in Argentina. The Albiceleste doesn’t appreciate what this man has done for them. Even though Messi has not been able to win a major trophy for Argentina. He won an Olympic Gold Medal and a U20 World Cup, which is an achievement in itself.. He has never been once appreciated for all his dedication and sacrifices , not even once .... He's just unlucky and ceratinly not undeserving that he hasnt been able to win anything for his country... He's still the onLy two South american player after pele to score 70 Goals amd when all others r considered Legends of International Football... Messi’s feats in club football alone are enough to establish his standing in the beautiful game’s pantheon as one of the greatest players ever to grace the game, if not the greatest. Never once appreciated him but by far the best I’ve ever seen. 🐐 my idol and my legend is soo unlucky.
raynknight
200
He tries and He aLso fails but most importantly he never gives up
FootballFanDbl7
13
Messi led Argentina to world cup final 2014 against Germany and he won golden ball but Ronaldo never gone pass rounds of 16 at the world cup! Uruguay dumped Ronaldo out of world cup where Ronaldo had only 49 touches in 90 minutes!
U are wrong... Portugal did managed to get to the World Cup semi final once... In 2006...😊✌