Without a few other key figures, the superstar couldn’t reach for the World Cup on Sunday. They cover your back so that the experienced can focus on his strengths. From the goalkeeper to the striker, one cog meshes with the other so that Messi can “click” at the end.
Emiliano Martinez: (Goalie) After the quarter-final thriller against the Netherlands, Messi knew exactly who to thank. The captain was the first to hug goalkeeper Martinez. In the penalty shoot-out, the keeper fended off two attempts by the Dutchman and thus promoted Messi and Co. to the semi-finals. But the 30-year-old is not only strong on the line. He basically convinced at the tournament in Qatar as a safe support for his team.
FIFA World Cup 2022, Final
4 p.m., live on ORF1:
Argentina – France
Lusail Stadium, SR Marciniak (POL)
Argentina: E. Martinez – Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna – De Paul, Paredes, Fernandez, Mac Allister – Messi, Alvarez
France: Lloris – Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, T. Hernandez – Tchouameni, Rabiot – Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe – Giroud
Uncompromising defenders
Nicolas Otamendi: (Defender) The Defense Chief. Otamendi is now almost 35 years old. The central defender came to the Albiceleste from Benfica in top form and, like Messi, he is now facing the crowning glory of his career. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a back four or three: Otamendi keeps the Argentines’ defense together.
Christian Romero: (Defender) The 24-year-old is seen as the prototype Argentine defender. The central defender from Tottenham Hotspur goes into the duels hard. His uncompromising attitude is good for the Argentines. Together with Otamendi and Martinez, he forms the defensive triangle of the two-time world champion.
Enzo Fernandez: (Midfield) Maybe the discovery of the tournament. Fernandez was a substitute in the first two games. After that, he was an integral part of Argentina’s starting XI. The 21-year-old super talent convinces with dynamism, duel strength and goal threat. The defensive midfielder confirms the burgeoning form he showed at Benfica.
Messi’s “Protectors”.
Rodrigo dePaul: (Midfield) A similar type to Romero in defence. The midfielder from Atletico Madrid doesn’t stand out either for his brilliant technique or for his outstanding passes. On the contrary: De Paul is a fighter and that’s how he understands his role in the team. The 28-year-old is Messi’s first protector, he has his captain’s back.
Alexis Mac Allister: (Midfield) When hearing his name, many people might have thought: sounds Scottish. “The last name is Scottish. But my ancestors were Irish,” reveals his father Carlos. In addition to de Paul, Mac Allister is one of Messi’s guard. Technically a little more talented than his neighbor, he forms the interface between midfield and attack.
Goals Messi doesn’t score
Julian Alvarez: (Attack) Similar to Fernandez, the attacker is considered one of the discoveries of the tournament. Like the midfielder, Alvarez started in the third World Cup game and has scored four goals since then. The 22-year-old scores the kind of goals Messi doesn’t. Extremely strong in conclusion and nerves of steel, especially in one-on-one situations.
