adminBUENOS AIRES. – Lionel Messi is worshipped and sacrificed at the same altar by Argentina soccer fans, according to 1986 World Cup-winner Jorge Valdano. Messi came in for stinging criticism from within his homeland after the Albiceleste were beaten by Chile in the final of the Copa America this summer.This was just a year after they lost the World Cup final to Germany.
A number of Argentina fans called for the Barcelona star to be dropped by Gerardo Martino as a result of his failure to deliver for his country, with many pointing to just one goal in the tournament as proof of his inadequate displays.
Valdano, however, believes the 28-year-old is too often heralded as a national hero before being made a scapegoat when things do not go to plan. – Goal.com.
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