Lionel Messi the “leader”

[Junaids]

Two years ago I attended the Copa America Centenario Final at East Rutherford.

Argentina lost on penalties to Chile.

Messi was the skipper, but look at this photo I took of him “leading” his team after he missed his own penalty....

.

The shootout was still in progress.

But the captain had no leadership to offer.

 

[MenInG]

Leader of what? You cannot be a leader of a bunch of players who cant do basics right.

 

[Bhaijaan]

He is a great player. One of the most skilled players of all time. A legend at club level. But he is not man enough to lead a team. Put Ronaldo in charge of Argentina and he would put those dumb egomaniacs in their place within a couple of months.

 

[hadi123]

Bottler. Goes missing in big games. Ronaldo all the way!

 

[Arham_PakFan]

He does not have leadership or motivational skills.A bad example of leadership,but a footballing genius and one of the greatest we have ever seen or will see.

 

[shaz619]

Leader of what? You cannot be a leader of a bunch of players who cant do basics right.

Yes you can, for one your body language would be positive and you'd show more heart and inspiration especially when the team is down and out. Imagine saying 'You cannot be a leader of a bunch of players who cant do basics right' to Imran Khan after Pakistan were bowled out for 74 by England and then would go on to lose against India in the 1992 World Cup.

Tactically speaking, the role of a Captain is not as important on a football pitch because that is the managers job. But the Captain must lead from the front and inspire, if the captain is always throwing in the towel how can he expect the players to do the basics right ? heck even the damn goalie does more running then Messi these days !

Messi is obviously a figure of immense stature in Argentina and his players look up to him, when such a figure is not showing some fight it brings the entire team down. He just doesn't command respect anymore with his antics. In contrast you look at Portugal who lets be honest are playing terrible football ! but they never give up and they have a leader who fights till the death.

 

[Hasan123]

Isn't a leader. His face during the national anthem didn't inspire confidence.

 

[Extra_Cover]

Messi ain't a leader and isn't the best motivator on field. People should accept this rather than debating it.

A leader is someone who is naturally gifted and inspire confidence from others. Prime example in current day football is Ramos. That guy can bring the best out of his players and bring his A game in clutch situations. To top it off that guy doesn't mind winning dirty, winning is all that matters to him.

 

[James]

Such a bizarre sight after yesterday’s game to see him just marching off down the tunnel without talking to anyone. Not very gracious or sporting.

 

[Ab Fan]

Messi's body language during that match explains it all.