Messi Reveals to His Father that His "Leg Weighed about 200 Pounds"

07/07/2014 - 10h30

Lionel Messi is feeling the effects of playing a row of World Cup games.

In a conversation with his father, Jorge Messi, the attacker confessed to being worn down.

"Leo [Messi] said it seemed like his leg was weighing around a 100 Kgs (220 pounds). He was very tired," revealed the Argentinean star's father.

The coaching staff is watchful of the physical condition of the attacker, the author of four goals in the World Cup and one of the standouts in the tournament.

They call for light workouts to prevent any further wear.

Of the five games that Argentina has played in, only one (against Bosnia) did not start at 1PM, when the temperature is theoretically higher.

The semifinal against the Netherlands this Wednesday, July 9, in Itaquerão, will begin at 5PM.

It was Jorge Messi's explanation for his son having lost the chance in stoppage time of the quarterfinal match against Belgium.

Lionel arrived in front of the goal, in a situation where he normally dribbles by the goalkeeper, tried to take it on Courtois's side, who blocked the shot.

In Alejandro Sabella's tactical formation, Messi is also obliged to return constantly to assist in marking and has been seen on defense even during the second half when the players are not 100%.

In the team structure established by coach, like having three players that are attacking from formation, everyone needs to get back to help out on marking. Even if it's just to fill in the spaces.

PARTICIPATION IN GOALS

With poor performances in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups (scoring just once in those tournaments), Lionel Messi has been the primary name in Argentina and a candidate to be the top player the World Cup this year.

Of the eight goals scored by the team thus far, he participated in seven of them.

He's made four and built the play of the other three. The only one he wasn't involved in was Marcos Rojo's goal against Nigeria.

"[Against Belgium] was our best game. I'm very happy to give joy to folks in Argentina. We are close to something very big. Our primary objective was to end up among the four. We complied. Hopefully, we'll get further", wished shirt number 10, while leaving Mané Garrincha National Stadium in Brasília.

"Both Leo as well as Pipa [Higuain] have given their lives to recover the ball and return to help on marking. In an overall analysis, they've made a great game", asserted Mascherano.

Translated by STEVE HUGHES

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