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Argentina's Messi-Centric World Cup Strategy

BBC Sport Football •
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Argentina's approach to the World Cup revolves entirely around Lionel Messi, fostering a supportive environment designed to maximize his performance and chances of winning. Manager Lionel Scaloni emphasizes team camaraderie, likening it to sharing mate and barbecues, a sentiment echoed by Messi himself as he rediscovers his Argentine roots.

Rodrigo De Paul has become Messi's closest confidant, acting as a "gang protecting its leader." Their bond, solidified through shared rituals like drinking mate and playing cards, allows De Paul to treat Messi as a normal person, easing the pressure. This collective effort extends to wearing the same Adidas boots and celebrating Messi's birthday with personalized T-shirts.

Scaloni has meticulously crafted a system that prioritizes Messi's comfort and decision-making on the field, adapting formations based on his movements. Messi, in turn, has dedicated himself to peak physical condition, reportedly increasing his top speed. This unified strategy has yielded significant success, with Argentina winning multiple trophies, including the Copa America and the World Cup, and dedicating their anthem to Messi.