Argentine Lionel Messi (AP Photo)
As Lionel Messi prepares to lead Argentina to another FIFA World Cup final, Stephen Constantine, former India coach and current Rwanda national team manager, has made a bold assessment of the Argentine star, insisting that although Messi is among the greatest footballers, he is “not the best” in history.Speaking to PTI from Rwanda ahead of Sunday’s final against Spain, the Englishman rated Pele, Diego Maradona and…
Ronaldinho
over the 39-year-old, arguing that Argentina’s tactical setup allows Messi to conserve energy and maximize his attacking impact.
Messi enjoyed a stunning tournament, scoring eight goals and providing four assists to lead holders Argentina to a second successive World Cup final, including a thrilling 2-1 win over England in the semi-finals.
“Messi cannot be stopped with the ball.”
Constantine praised Messi’s brilliance in possession, but said that Argentina’s teamwork allows the captain to shine.Constantin said: “Messi is a great player, one of the greatest players, but the difference is that Argentina has six or seven players who run for him and get the ball.”“When he has the ball, he is almost unstoppable. But without it, you are effectively playing with 10 men because the others have to cover him.
Argentina does it brilliantly. So, yeah, no, no, for me, it’s not the best. It’s one of the best, but it’s not. He added: “I will not say it is the best.”These comments come ahead of what is expected to be Messi’s last World Cup appearance, as the Argentine star seeks a fourth world title for his country.
Constantin supports Spain to lift the cup
Despite acknowledging Argentina’s experience and Messi’s ability to decide matches on his own, Constantin believes that Spain’s collective style gives them a slight advantage in the title fight.“Well, I think the result will be close. If I were a betting man, which I’m not, but if I was, I think I would put my money on Spain to beat Argentina,” he said. “But again, I thought England would be able to get past Argentina. So let’s see. It will be a good final. I think these games are unpredictable.”He highlighted Spain’s work ethic across the pitch as the biggest difference between the finalists.“Rodri is a top player. The difference with the Spanish team is that they will all run. They will all do the work. In Argentina, Messi won’t be tracking to mark the players. He won’t win any headers. When you get the ball, he’s great, maybe unbeatable. But against a Spanish team where everyone will work hard to get the ball and beat Messi, I think it will be a good game.”
“I think Spain will win this,” he explained.