Like Lionel Messi he plans to lead Argentina to the next level FIFA World Cup Finally, former India coach and Rwanda national team manager Stephen Constantine had a bold assessment of the Argentinian star, insisting that while Messi is one of the best in football, he is “not the greatest” in history.Speaking to PTI from Rwanda ahead of Sunday’s final against Spain, the Englishman singled out Pelé, Diego Maradona and Ronaldinho Above the 39-year-old, he argues that Argentina’s technical setup allows Messi to retain power and increase his influence.Messi had an impressive campaign, scoring eight goals and providing four assists as defending champions Argentina reached their second successive World Cup final, including a stunning 2-1 victory over England in the final.
‘Messi can’t stop it with the ball’
Constantine praised Messi’s ability to take the ball but said the teamwork of the Argentina team made the captain stand out.“Messi is a very good player, one of the greatest, but the difference is that Argentina has six or seven players who run after him and get him the ball,” Constantine said.“When he has the ball, he is almost immovable. But without that, you are playing well with 10 men because others have to cover his work. Argentina does that wisely. So, yeah, no, no, for me, he is not the best. He is one of the best, but he is not. I can’t say that he is the best,” he added.The comments come ahead of what is expected to be Messi’s final appearance at the World Cup, with the Argentine looking set to chase down his country for a fourth time.
Constantine helps Spain to lift the trophy
While acknowledging Argentina’s experience and Messi’s ability to single-handedly decide matches, Constantine believes Spain’s squad gives them a slight edge in the competition.“Well, I think it will be close. If I were a betting man, which I am not, but if I were, I think I would put my money on Spain to beat Argentina,” he said. “But again, I thought that England will be able to pass Argentina. So let’s see. It will be a good final. This game is, I think, unpredictable.”He pointed to Spain’s overall performance as the biggest difference between the finalists.“Rodri is a top player. And the difference with the Spanish side is that they will all run. They will all work. In Argentina, Messi does not follow to know the players. He will not win every game. If you get him the ball, he is amazing, maybe invincible. But against the Spanish team where everyone thinks it is very difficult, I think it is very difficult for me to catch the ball, Messi thinks it is very difficult. good game. I think Spain, they will win this,” he explained.