Messi Sacrifices Himself and Defends More than Usual

07/11/2014 - 09h38

When Jorge Messi, Messi's father, told Folha his son was physically tired after playing the World Cup, it wasn't just a hunch.

From the eight finals onwards, the attacker ran, disarmed and retook the ball more intensively.

He was never so wilful when playing for Barcelona or even for the national team. The celebration after the penalty kicked by Maxi Rodríguez against the Netherlands, which allowed Argentina to be the in the decisive match, seems to have been a reward for giving up his offensiveness. It will be Argentina's first final since 1990.

In the group stage, Messi scored four goals. From the round of 16, none. Against Bosnia, Iran and Nigeria, he poked the ball in 13 times. When he played against Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands, only five.

The No.10 still is free on the pitch, but with an obligation to pull back even more due to a change in the tactical strategy. Although the coach Alejandro Sabella maintained three attackers, he makes sure that one of them (Lavezzi) acts as a midfielder, helping to mark.

"Leo [Messi] is still the player who is capable of leaving us with an open mouth. He is one of the hearts of the team and he has given a lot on the pitch", says goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

Messi has not become a marker overnight. He pulls back to fill gaps and at least disturb the opponent. The coach believes it makes the difference. According to Fifa, during the group stage, Messi retook only one ball. From the eight finals onwards, six.

Sabella managed to make the playmaker believe the idea. After the debut against Bosnia, Messi made a discreet complaint about the line of five defenders set by the coach. According to him, the Argentine fragile defence motivated a pragmatic strategy.

In the first round, the team scored six goals. In the knockout stage, two and none was conceded. That is way they are in the final.

Messi is generally free on the pitch, so he likes to save energy. Sometimes it even catches attention.

During a match against Atlético de Madrid for the Champions League, in April, he ran 6,759 meters in 90 minutes. The only Barcelona player who ran a shorter distance was the goalkeeper Pinto.

At the World Cup his physical exertion increased as the tournament proceeded. In the group stage, he ran an average of 7,437 meters. In the knockout stage it went up to 9,873.

"I think Leo is doing well on the pitch. He is a player who can decide any match and who is willing to sacrifice himself for the team", said Sabella.

Translated by JULIANA CALDERARI

Read the article in the original language