@Reborn Given that Argentina had only 3.5 days of rest do you think it would be a good idea to not start Messi against Switzerland and only bring him on towards the end if absolutely necessary ?
If Argentina advances there are only 2.5 days of rest before the semifinal and i find it impossible to believe he could handle that.
It’s time for others to step up and carry the team.
Messi will likely to start.
I will tell you something - issue isn't with Argentina team. They are actually very strong team. If I have to say then they are better than even Spain.
Issue with them is - Verde and Egypt exploited a big weakness in their tactics.
I will explain.
Argentina plays with high defensive line. This is important for multiple reasons like pressing and to have dominant possesion..also, to have Messi as further as they can.
In both matches - Verde and Egypt, it's this high defensive line which became a problem.
In both matches, they were got caught by surprise counter attacks and vertical passing and because of high line they paid the cost. One good chance and they conceded the goal.
Argentina needs atleast one Midfielder to fall a bit and one rest defender to stop any counter attacks and pressing.
That's all they need to do. And they can achieve this with more flexible defensive formation.
Trust me - Argentina is as good as Spain and France. Infact, because Of Messi as X factor, this team edges them out.
People simply look at scores and judges a team based on number of goals they are scoring and they are looking down on Argentina.
"Oh they had close match with verde...they aren't good enough. "Lmao
Now why Messi is likely start? Because both Egypt and Verde matches were tight and Switzerland is better team than both. Scaloni would like to field his best XI to not have match as close as before.
If things goes well then Messi might sub out around 60-70 mins
Fatigue factor is definitely there but I think they have resources to get players ready within few days.