Why can't Messi perform on an international level?

1. Because he doesn’t get enough support from his teammates.

I am not a Messi fan. I think he is a terrible leader on the field.

However, Messi is undeniably one of the best players to ever play.

Also, it is clear that winning internationally matters to him.

2. There is a huge amount of pressure for him to perform due to:

1. This might be his last World Cup.
2. Ronaldo’s incredible performance so far at the World Cup.
3. Media needs a new GOAT conversation, hence Messi vs. Ronaldo.

3. Argentina literally drives every play through Messi.

Shutting him down is essentially shutting down the entire team.

4. THE FACT IS:

Messi is an amazing on-ball player, while Ronaldo is an amazing off-ball player.

When you are an on-ball player, if a team puts 3 defenders on you during every attack, you won’t be able to make plays. You need to rely on teammates.

When you are an off-ball player, teams do not put 3 defenders on you, but they watch your positioning instead.

---

Messi is a great player, but he’s a terrible leader, and he’s not inspiring his teammates to play the best football that they can.

Argentina is a NOT a bad team.

They just can’t support Messi in the way that Barçalona is able to support him.