Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez does not believe that a failure to qualify for the World Cup by Argentina would be a black mark on Lionel Messi’s career. Oscar goes on to add that you cannot expect the five-time Ballon d’Or winner do it all for the team.
Messi led the Argentina side to runners-up in the 2014 World Cup. However, this time around, they are in danger of failing to qualify for the finals. To qualify for the finals, Argentina must make the inter-confederation qualifying position. They are currently lying sixth in the CONMEBOL standings. With a goalless draw against Peru at home and one only game left against Ecuador, the odds are not in their favor.
“I don’t see it as a stain and it shouldn’t be like that,” Tabarez said when asked if missing out on the World Cup would be a stain on Messi’s career.
“There are a lot of great players in football’s history that weren’t world champions and they’re not stained by that, at least for me.
“Besides that, Messi is still playing, you can’t tell what will happen.
“Argentina are having problems to qualify but if they do, they’ll be favourites to win the World Cup.
“He’s a huge player but he can’t do it all, this is a team sport.”
Messi hit the post once against Peru in Buenos Aire and created several chances for his team-mates. Dario Benedetto, Emiliano Rigoni, and Marcus Acuna all failed to score from Messi’s assists. Argentina will need all their players to contribute if they are to qualify for the World Cup.