Lionel Messi. Why so much success at Barcelona but no success at Argentina? Can Messi win 2022 World Cup?

unclesox

So much success at Barcelona for a couple of reasons: 1- The club are able to spend money to buy talented players who can compliment his playing abilities. There's no rule about the number of non-Spaniards can play in Spain. 2- Every year Barcelona are involved in three major competitions: La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League. And that's not counting minor trophies like "Super" cups. Why no success with Argentina? 1- National teams are limited on the players they can have. Only players who were born in Argentina, have ancestral ties to the country or who have worked and lived in Argentina for at least three years can play for the country. Cannot buy foreign players. 2- Argentina are involved in only one major competition every other year (two tournaments every four years): World Cup and Copa America. Since winning his first cap with Argentina in August 2005 Messi has played in... - 39 major tournaments with Barcelona (not counting "Super" Cups). - 8 major tournaments with Argentina (assuming we include the 2016 Copa America Centenario as a major trophy) The opportunities to win at national team level are few and far between compared to club football. Although Argentina haven't won with Messi they've had some mighty tough luck in finals. They were seven minutes away from penalties in the 2014 World Cup final. Lost the 2015 Copa America final on penalties. Lost the 2016 Copa America Centenario final on penalties. Frustrating.

jimmy

Messi may not be playing in the 2022 world cup, he'll be 35 years old.