There is an unwritten rule in Argentina’s national soccer team: if you don’t know where to put the ball, just hand it to Lionel Messi. The superstar actually always knows something good to do with it.
However, the 35-year-old could not play such an outstanding World Cup as currently in Qatar without his team-mates. You give him confidence in every moment of the game. You have his back free so that the veteran can focus on his strengths. Without these key figures, Messi would not be able to reach for the title against France on Sunday (4 p.m. / ARD and MagentaTV).
Emiliano Martinez
After the quarter-final thriller against the Netherlands, Messi knew exactly who to thank. The captain was the first to hug goalkeeper Martínez. In the penalty shoot-out, the keeper fended off two attempts by the Dutchman and thus promoted Messi and Co. to the semi-finals. But the 30-year-old is not only strong on the line. At the tournament in Qatar, he also impressed when intercepting high balls and generally as a secure support for his team.
Nicholas Otamendi
The Defense Chief. Otamendi is now almost 35 years old. But maybe we’ll see his best possible version at this World Cup. The centre-back arrived at the Albiceleste from Benfica in top form and, like Messi, is now set to crown his career. Regardless of whether it’s a back four or three: Otamendi keeps the Argentines’ defense together.
Christian Romero
The 24-year-old is seen as a prototype Argentine defender. Romero eats carbohydrates in the morning and striker in the evening, ZDF expert Sandro Wagner joked during a World Cup game for Argentina. What he meant: The Tottenham Hotspur centre-back is tough in tackles. But not unfair. His uncompromising attitude is good for the Argentines. Together with Otamendi and Martínez, he forms the defensive triangle of the two-time world champion.
Enzo Fernandez
Perhaps the discovery of the tournament. Fernández was a substitute in the first two games. After that, he was an integral part of Argentina’s starting XI. The 21-year-old super talent convinces with dynamism, duel strength and goal threat. The defensive midfielder confirms what he has been hinting at Benfica all season under coach Roger Schmidt: that he could become one of the best in the world.
Rodrigo de Paul
A similar type to Romero in defence. The midfielder from Atlético Madrid doesn’t stand out either for his brilliant technique or for his outstanding passes. On the contrary: de Paul is a fighter, just like Atlético coach Diego Simeone used to be. And that’s how he understands his role in the team. The 28-year-old is Messi’s first protector, he has his captain’s back.
Alexis Mac Allister
When hearing his name, some people might have thought: sounds more Scottish than Argentinian. “The surname is Scottish. But my ancestors were Irish,” his father Carlos recently told the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”. In addition to de Paul, Mac Allister is one of Messi’s guard. Technically a little more talented than his neighbor, he forms the interface between midfield and attack.
Julian Alvarez
Similar to Fernández, the attacker is considered one of the discoveries of the tournament. Like the midfielder, Álvarez started in the third World Cup game and has scored four goals since then. The 22-year-old scores the kind of goals Messi doesn’t. Extremely strong in conclusion and nerves of steel, especially in one-on-one situations.
