XtraTime Web Desk: Lionel Messi helped Argentina reach the round of 16 by scoring a goal in a 2-1 win over Nigeria. Lionel Messi ended his goal drought with a sublime finish as his side avoided a possible elimination from the group stage. His Barcelona team-mate and France centre half, Samuel Umtiti is not really convinced with the Argentina team and is very much confident of his team’s progression to the next round.
But Umtiti, like many others, has pointed out that Messi cannot singlehandedly inspire a misfiring team, while he believes Argentina’s style of play crucially differs from Barca’
“[Messi] is different, he can’t play the same way with Argentina and Barcelona,” Umtiti told reporters. “He doesn’t have the same players, even though in Argentina they have very good players.
“It’s completely different with Barcelona, it’s a different playing style.
“I still think he saved them some times. When they were very close to losing, he often was there. This is when you must worry about Leo.
“The Argentinians are tough with him. I understand because of all his qualities, but he can’t do everything on his own.”
Umtiti was surprised by Messi’s mindset upon arriving at Camp Nou, immediately recognizing that the Argentina man is constantly striving for more.
“I really feel that he doesn’t live football like others do – in the way he sees it, in the choices he makes and in the goals he scores,” Umtiti said.
“He just keeps scoring goals after goals. He has it in him. He doesn’t like losing. He always wants to win games and titles. I didn’t expect that from him because he already won everything. It’s his state of mind.”