The whole world is looking forward to the mesmeric, Lionel Messi representing Argentina in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Despite being only 22 years old, the 2009 FIFA Player of the Year goes to South Africa with a reputation similar to that of the now Argentine Head Coach, Diego Maradona had in 1986 and the great Pele of Brazil had in 1970. Fans everywhere, no matter who they support will want to see another all time great established in the most popular sporting event in the world today.

Messi certainly has all the credentials; he is regarded by football plaudits everywhere as the best player in the world. Indeed, Arsene Wenger the Arsenal manager; said of him recently that “he is the best player in the world by a long distance” and that from a man who has a player of the calibre of Cesc Fabregas at his team.

Messi has a record at Barcelona that defies belief, particularly for a player so young. The glaring statistic alone of his current goal scoring record of 81 goals in 138 games is enough to tell anyone that this man is a very special talent with the ability to light up the 2010 World Cup on his own. It is probably why most bookmakers make him second favourite to finish the World Cup as top scorer behind David Villa.

If he is that good of course, any sceptics should be asking “why is he not the favourite”? The answer would lay in the fact that Argentina as a football team under Maradona has been far from convincing. Even before Maradona took over the helm, the national side, which is bursting to the seams with natural talent, was struggling and confidence was very low. Messi for instance, despite his goal to game ratio for Barca, has only netted 13 times in 43 games, much lower than a player of his ability should be.

The tendency has been for Argentina to play him in a wider role and keeping him there, whereas Barcelona more or less have given him a free role with a further remit to be forward and in a position to score or to be able to assist a score. A role of course which he relishes, and which was never better highlighted than a fortnight ago when he scored all four goals which knocked out Arsenal of the Champions League.

With plenty of other talented forwards such as Tevez, Milito and Higuain at his disposal, Maradona has to be careful to create the right balance, something which most plaudits think that he has failed to do so far in his tenure as coach.

It might be therefore that Messi will not shine this time around unless the unexpected happens and his National team ‘get their act together’. They struggled badly to even get to the World Cup, qualifying only fourth from the South Americas Group and have been striving ever since to get their system in order before they take on Nigeria in their opening game in South Africa. In fairness to Maradona, he did play Messi up front in their recent friendly against Germany in Munich, where he played really well in a match that they won by 1-0. However, it remains to be seen just what unfolds for Argentina in South Africa, one thign is for sure though, Messi is capable of the unthinkable and whilst he is on the pitch, Argentina will have a chance of winning and Messi may even be capable of guiding his team to World Cup victory, just as his current manager did in 1986.

Author Bio: Read more about Messi and the other stars heading to the World Cup in South Africa at the authors World Cup site. Includes previews of all teams, groups players as well as the latest Fifa World Cup 2010 Odds.

Category: Sports
Keywords: world cup, 2010, south africa, lionel messi, argentina,