Argentinean press attacks Messi once again
Argentina drew 1-1 with Venezuela and are still not guaranteed a place at the World Cup 2018. "The best can't be just another player" Olé criticised Messi.
Argentina were unable to beat bottom side Venezuela yesterday, stumbling to a 1-1 draw at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, and still haven't booked their place for the World Cup in Russia next summer, and the main target in the firing line was Leo Messi. "The best can't be just another player", fired Olé.
Olé criticises Messi
The paper said the player was a reduced version of himself. "The lack of partners who speak something of his language doesn't exempt him from responsibility. Leo played an acceptable first half. He started promisingly, with a number of those touches that make you think he's going to explode. That today's his day, one of those nights that will finish with everyone adoring him. But he didn't explode. If during the footballing dialogue the main actor turns off, then the Argentinean side ends up with a second half that will go down in history as one of the worst in years. The best can't be just another player".
Messi retired from international football
This isn't the first time Messi has been criticised for his performances for his country. In fact the Barcelona striker retired from international football after losing the Centenary Copa America to Chile on penalties, with Messi missing a spot kick. The criticism he received from the press was felt to have contributed to his decision.
"For me the national team is over," the heartbroken 29-year-old told reporters. "I've done all I can, I've been in four finals and it hurts not to be a champion. It's a hard moment for me and the team, and it's difficult to say, but it's over with the Argentina team."
However after a break Messi changed his mind and returned to the Argentina side.
The press react to Argentina's draw
Globoesporte (Brazil): "A wine* hangover: Argentina disappoints again, with another draw against Venezuela and continues in difficulties in the qualifaction for the World Cup"
*The Venezuelan side are nicknamed the Vinotinto, the red wine, for their shirts.
A Bola (Portugal): "Messi's Argentina disappoints with a draw against Venezuela"
L'Equipe (France): "Argentina in trouble"
Bild (Germany): "Alarm bells"
Gazzetta dello Sport (Italy): "Argentina 'bah', Icardi is not enough"
ESPN (Mexico): "Venezuela surprises and makes life difficult for Argentina"
Mundo Deportivo (Catalonia): "Argentina plays with fire and gets into trouble
Sport (Catalonia): "Argentina complicates their World Cup chances"
