The runner ups of WC 14, Argentina,a stunned Messi was seen at the award ceremony. His expressions were saying it all, despite winning the golden ball the pain was obvious on his face. He knew he was so close to win the trophy that he always dreamt of, actually its every football player's dream to win the prestigious trophy but he wanted it so bad to prove himself as the best player ever to play this beautiful game. The trophy meant that he had won every single thing a football player can win but the late winning goal of Gotze took the glory away from Messi in the 114th minute of the final.
Talking about 2018 ,probably one of the most favorite teams to lift the trophy in 2018, Argentina fears another failure this year because of some important players ruled out of the squad due to injuries. Most recently Manuel Lanzini suffered Knee injury which ruled him out of the WC just a week before the biggest stage was set. His cruciate ligament tore in his right knee in training as Argentina said on 8th June on twitter.
[GREATER SELECTION] Doctor Daniel Martínez, doctor of the @ Argentina , develops the official part of Manuel Lanzini's injury.
Despite the greatest player of this age Lionel Messi is playing for them he just can't lead the team single handedly to the finals and win it for them, this sport is an 11 men sport. This year Argentina struggled a lot with injuries in midfield, first Lucas Biglia was out for a long time due to injury and now Lanzini. Argentina lacks a proper control in midfield. After leaving Icardi out of the squad their attack seems to be weakened a little bit because of Di Maria being Injury prone and Higuain not clinical in his finishes, there's no proper depth in attacking options for Sampaoli. Injuries also struck argentina in defence as their first choice goalkeeper Sergi Romero is also ruled out due to injury.
But Sampaoli has chosen his best 23 for the World Cup. The captain Messi is hopeful about his dream of winning the world cup this time which were shattered by the late winner of german substitute Gotze in WC14 Final. He hopes to give all what it takes to be crowned as the champions of the World.His hopes seem realistic as fowards are in full form this season with Messi himself being the European Golden Boot Winner, the stats of the forwards are
Player(Goals)(Assists)
Lionel Messi(34)(12)
Sergio Aguero(21)(6)
Angel DiMaria(11)(6)
Gonzalo Higuain(16)(6)
Paulo Dybala(21)(4)
Despite weakness in midfield, The above stats prove that Argentina's attack can pull off any kind of unthinkable in their WC Campaign and Argentina and Messi's World Cup dreams are still alive!
