Argentina Football Association (AFA) President Luis Segura says that the criticism of Lionel Messi should end immediately.
The Argentine superstar has received widespread criticism for failing to lead his team to success in the Copa America 2015. Messi was a major factor in the national team reaching the final of the competition. His performances may have been similar to that during the World Cup 2014. The similarity extends even into the goal records as well. Messi managed only one goal throughout the entire tournament and this stretched his poor run with the national team.
Despite being the best player in the world, Messi will feel an extremely sad man to end his career without having won any major international honour apart from the Olympics medal. He has won every major title at club level. The Internet media and several other platforms have been quick to jump on the Messi bandwagon just as the tournament has completed. This, however, does not please President Luis Segura who says that such criticism is unacceptable. The 28-year-old superstar watched his team suffer a 4-1 defeat on penalties to Chile, who hosted the tournament. The game went into penalties after both teams were involved in a 0-0 draw.
“I don’t understand the people. One can have preferences, make comparisons but to mistreat Messi the way they did is an immense injustice. There are many football-based conversations — comparing Messi with Maradona or Cristiano Ronaldo — but the things they are saying are unacceptable,” said the Argentina football president.Since making his debut in 2005 for the national team, Messi has featured in just over 100 appearances. However, his record of just 46 goals in these matches is pale in comparison with his Barcelona tally, where he has scored almost a goal every game in all competitions.