Good start by Messi

He doesn't win the ball, or get anywhere near the ball. As Ally McCoist and the referee they keep bringing up says, if that's 2 outfield players, we wouldn't even be questioning whether it's a foul. I'm not sure which one of them it was (I'm going to guess Keane), but when the referee chap was explaining why it isn't a foul, one of them was quite disrespectfully shouting 'wow' over the top. I didn't think there was any need for that. Particularly as you say, it's an opinions based thing.

 

The goalkeeper had the ball in his sights and collided with the onrushing defender with nowhere to go do no penalty, EXCEPT.... His right leg was raised in an unnatural position stretched to his right to guarantee the attacker could not get through on goal. IMO therefore it was probably the correct decision to award a penalty.

 

For someone with a goal and assist he's been anonymous and quiet for large chunks of the game. He can't dominate for ninety minutes like in his younger days, but can still make a difference.

On a different note Argentina have to be fans of the tournament. Every game they have played has been like an home game and they never stop singing. Much better than Morocco whistling every touch their opponents get like they will tomorrow.

 

He's obviously carrying a niggle been feeling it the last 2 games, but he'll play every minute of the final too, deservedly.

 

Watching Argentina in the World Cup was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. And it had as much to do with what was going on in the stands as on the field.

 

Can't fault them. It's been like an home WC for them. Packing out stadiums in huge numbers and making noise from start to finish. Even McCoist plans to join their party tonight and I don't blame him as I would too. You wouldn't be able to sleep for the noise so you might as well get involved.

 

I rate Messi more highly than Maradona. His goalscoring record is way better, and he's so much more than just a goalscorer.

 

Shame we didn’t beat France as I honestly think Argentina are pretty average. Can wait to watch them lift the World Cup.

 

Their midfield & full backs are really average. Otamendi, can't believe he's starting every match (even though he's been okay). Genuinely didn't expect them to get this far at all.

 

Hi Cristiano

 

When he plays in final he'll have the most world cup finals appearances too, and he's highest goal scorer for Argentina now. He's also taken over Maradona's assist record. First player in world cup history score & assist in 4 separate matches. His stats are insanely good.
A lot of players have either great assists or goals, but usually not both. The sheer amount of chances created and inch-perfect passes he makes are unreal

 

Wonder what the show ponies such as Neymar and Ronaldo must be thinking right now.

A guy who plays for his team mates. Imagine that.

 

That's one of the big things for me. All that ability and he still plays for the team first. Something Ronaldo has never done.

 

Eh? And where did I mention Cristiano? I'm no fan of Cristiano Ronaldo (in fact less so than Messi) but all these comments saying it would be a crying shame if he didn't win the WC, ********!

 

I'll be cheering the Argies in the final. They went out to 8/1 when they lost that first match and I had a cheeky few quid on them.............

 

Hi Neymar

 

The greatest ever and not sure we will see better.

I am 28 so didn't see Maradona play in his prime but I've seen no one near Messi in my lifetime and don't think I will see better in my lifetime.

Now England are out I so want them to win just for him.

 

Ya bugger