The decline of Kempes and Messi after the World Cup: “He’s paying for that physical and mental wear and tear”

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Inside Qatar World Cup, Lionel Messi was the leader who Argentina national team he needed to lift his third World Cup. This consecration was followed by unforgettable celebrations in Argentina and a well-deserved rest, at the end of which Leo returned paris saint germain. But the Parisian team lost their last three games – including the round of 16 of the Champions League, the club’s great goal – and the man from Rosario couldn’t avoid it.

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For Mario Alberto Kempes, world champion in 1978, Messi’s decline can be explained precisely by his performance two months ago in the Middle East. “From what I see on the pitch he is paying for the physical and mental tiredness that is needed for a world championship“said the Cordovan.

“He won, but now he’s in his team, he didn’t have enough time to rest. He lacks that extra motivation to do what he did in the World Cup. Let’s hope he takes it back, it’s costing him a bit,” she analyzed. Although she remarked: “Despite the post-World Cup crisis, he did important things at PSG.”

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Mario Kempes spoke about Messi's performance at PSG.

Mario Kempes spoke about Messi’s performance at PSG.

Furthermore, Kempes noted that Messi “is in a league that isn’t the best, but he feels comfortable.” “You can stay there for another 3 and a half years. If you stay and think you can play in another World Cup”, he got excited in dialogue with TNT Football.

Regarding Leo’s eventual arrival in Argentine football, the former footballer said: “Do you know what Messi would be in Newells? Worse than with Maradona, much worse. Because Messi was born in Rosario and is from Newells.”

I don’t know if I could handle the pressure commented. He’s used to Europe, people are different. But in Argentina he would be crazy. If Messi wanted to go to Argentina and live in Rosario, that would be fine. He can also play in Argentina while he is in Rosario, but he would be different.”

Dybala and Messi during a training session in Qatar.  Photo AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko

Dybala and Messi during a training session in Qatar. Photo AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko

During the interview, Kempes also referred to his compatriot Paul Dybala. “Until he believes he’s a smart player, that he’s different, that he has the ability and great vision to play, I don’t think I can become Messi’s handler or successor“, he criticized. And he added: “Playing alongside Messi is complicated and beautiful at the same time. Like with Maradona, you don’t know where they’re going.”

Source: Clarin

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