The Argentinian media have given their verdict on Lionel Messi’s performance against Paraguay for the national team.
After Inter Miami’s loss to Atlanta United, Lionel Messi departed the MLS for two weeks with international fixtures taking priority over the next fortnight.
Messi was slammed by Landon Donovan this week so perhaps time away from the MLS club will do the iconic Argentine forward some good as he has been criticised roundly in the American media.
The forward started against Paraguay but it was a 2-1 defeat to the South American side in the World Cup Qualifiers with Lautaro Martinez scoring the goal for Argentina.
Argentine media react to Lionel Messi performance
Argentine website TyC Sports have given their verdict on Messi’s performance for the national team against Paraguay.
After giving Messi a 6/10 score, they said of his performance: “He never stood still waiting for the ball. Several times he dropped to the position of central midfielder to organize from there. He tried from medium distance, appearing by surprise in space, he looked for it until the end.”
However, despite a rather positive review from TyC Sports, another Argentine outlet in Clarin were perhaps less complimentary of the former Barcelona forward.
“Messi, always surrounded and stifled by rivals, had an uncomfortable night that showed him more annoyed than satisfied with his performance and that of the rest of the team,” they wrote.
“This time the ’10’ could not make the difference. To be fair, it was more to Paraguay’s credit that they did not leave him alone throughout the match on a controversial night.”
Lionel Messi has to recover for new MLS season
After Inter Miami’s MLS play-off defeat to Atlanta United over two legs, the season is now over for Messi and his Miami teammates.
This time away from football will be a good chance for Messi to rest and recover ahead of what promises to be a vital campaign in 2025.
The return of the MLS will take place on February 22, 2025, with San Diego FC set to join the division and expand the number of sides to 30 teams.