FIFA World Cup 2010: Lionel Messi Can Lead Argentina To World Cup Glory

For many of the real enthusiastic football lovers, you would agree with me when I say that Messi has no match in world football and if he can lead Argentina to a world title, he could be recognized as one of the greatest football players.

For those who follow my articles, you would remember that I questioned Messi's ability to deal with the physicality of many participating nations and what I then felt would see him thrown into negative play.

But he seems to have proved me wrong as he brought his club form straight into the national setup. We might not have seen a magical goal from the maestro, but he has been at the heart of most of the creativity and goal scoring opportunities, lucky enough Higuain was there to do the finishing.

Some might argue he hasn't done enough to compare to Pele or Maradona, but guess what, I don't think it's fair to compare him to either one of the two.

He's playing in modern football, with so much advances obviously not taking anything away from his skill, ability, and all that he has to offer.

Messi is of the best players I've watched in a live game, as I had the opportunity to view him glide through the Korean defence yesterday at Soccer City in Johannesburg.

In conversation with many friends and foreigners on the train to and from the stadium, many said that while Ronaldo might have great speed, power, and skill, Messi is incredible with his close control and vision, not just to pass the ball, but to carry the ball through tight situations.

I'm not debating between Ronaldo and Messi, simply outlining the facts that while Ronaldo might sometimes get the big cheer from the crowd every time he steps on the field, it almost has to do with his looks and the ladies going "gaga" over him.

On the other hand, Messi seems to get the applause every time he passes two or three defenders.

Aside from the comparison, Messi under Maradona will flourish in my opinion, simply because there have been so many similarities between them and for him to now be under the guidance of the Argentinian legend will only get the best out of Messi.

Looking the World Cup situation and possibilities, Argentina are now through to the next round as they have won two games, so maybe we will see some changes in the next game against Greece with Maradona looking to rest a few key players.

Argentina will then face the runners-up of Group A, which could be Uruguay or Mexico as they look as the most probable teams to progress. This could pose a stern test as both look determined.

Many would say Argentina has more than enough firepower to overcome either one of the two, but you need to remember that Argentina struggled against South American opposition in qualifiers, and Uruguay—although Argentina beat them—gave a good account for themselves.

Teams are now going to try to play Messi out of the game, simply because while Tevez might be working hard, Higuain scored a hat-trick, and the defence all did their part, Messi has been the engine room.

On numerous occasions you find Messi in the centre coming to collect the ball and working it to the front, quickly passing, using his skill to find his way past the opposition.

So if Argentina wish to progress further than the Round of 16, they will need Messi to continue his sublime work-rate in the middle.

As far as the tournament is considered, Messi, in my opinion, is the best player on the pitch.