WATCH: “Needs to retire” – Lionel Messi missing an open goal against Canada doesn’t sit well with fans on social media
Despite missing two great opportunities, Lionel Messi assisted Lautaro Martinez to double Argentina's tally in the 88th minute.
Lionel Messi missed two great scoring opportunities against Canada. (via IMAGO)
Argentinean skipper Lionel Messi was criticized by football fans, after he squandered two great open goal chances in their Copa America opener against Canada. Despite the missed opportunities, Argentina went on to secure a 2-0 win over the North American side.
La Albiceleste registered a convincing win over Canada in the opening match of the 2024 Copa America at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, USA. Widely considered favorites by analysts and fans alike, the 2021 champions will be hoping to win the tournament for a second consecutive edition. Despite being in a tough group with Canada, Chile, and Peru, they achieved an opening win with goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.
However, the scoreline could have been more decisive had Messi not missed two straightforward goal-scoring opportunities. It is rare to see the 36-year old miss a goal with the net wide open. Twice in the game, the Inter Miami star found himself in one-on-one situations but failed to convert. The closest chance came in the 66th minute when Messi dribbled past Canadian goalkeeper Max Crepeau, only for his shot to be deflected by defender Derek Cornelius.
This finished grandpa needs to retire
— ?? (@tylr7s) June 21, 2024
These back-to-back misses did not go down well with the fans, who humorously compared the 36-year-old to Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku. The ex-Chelsea is infamous for his notable misses during matches.
Fans react to Lionel Messi’s missed chances during Argentina’s match against Canada
Football fans and viewers reacted to Lionel Messi‘s missed goal-scoring opportunities during Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Canada. The reigning World Champions although begun their 2024 Copa America campaign on a positive note.
The 2022 World Cup winning captain found himself the subject of a laughing stock, as Argentina commenced its title defense. Fans sharply criticized the 36-year old for his abilities, with some suggesting that he should retire from the sport. A few labeled Messi’s efforts as lazy, while others went so far as to claim his career was over.
I mean that was a decent effort from him tbh credits to keeper and defender
— SnowVille Dividends (@Shay_ville) June 21, 2024
If is Cristiano that miss this great chance, the whole internet won’t rest bashing him. See how lazy he was. Is time for him to retired. Anyway he already did that’s why he went to MLS to chop burger ?
— KING DJ JET. (@iamdeejayjet) June 21, 2024
Messi is so washed
— Alpa (@its_alpa) June 21, 2024
This finished grandpa needs to retire
— ?? (@tylr7s) June 21, 2024
?Messi? pic.twitter.com/h5ctNPq2VV
— James Webb 007 (@Diego649570023) June 21, 2024
Messi has been unreal what a clean perfect assist
— Callum (@Callum__2000) June 21, 2024
— Mihawk (@MihawkPlayss) June 21, 2024
Bro thought this was the MLS ?
— Connor Smith ? (@Connor7170) June 21, 2024
Nevertheless, some Argentine fans stood by their star player, noting that he compensated for those misses by assisting Lautaro Martinez in the 88th minute for the second goal.
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Siddhartha Roy
(702 Articles Published)