Lionel Messi power is a bigger problem for troubled Argentina than solution

FIFA have asked Diego Maradona to show more respect to fellow patrons at this World Cup after he was spotted delivering the middle-fingered salute during Argentina’s 2-1 win over Nigeria on Tuesday. Good luck with that one. It is like asking Danny Dyer to rustle up a few rashers of bacon for David Cameron as a goodwill gesture for calling the former PM a “twat” twice on national TV.

It is never going to happen. Yet there is more chance of Dyer writing a foreword on the benefits of Brexit for Cameron’s memoirs than Messi penning a glorious new chapter in the narrative of Argentina’s obviously troubled football team.

Little wonder Maradona gets more than a touch emotional, amid the alleged swilling, snorting, waltzing and dozing, when he watches this Argentina side struggle even with the magnificent Messi as the totem. Conking out never felt so good when decorum bites the dust.

Argentina are as far away from Maradona’s 1986-World Cup winning vintage as the 32 years that separate them. Only four years since they lost 1-0 to Germany in the final after extra-time, Argentina look in a poorer condition than its Peso.

There is nothing to suggest that Argentina’s umbilical cord will not be cut by France when they collide in the last 16 in Kazan on Saturday afternoon.

Germany somehow managed to get progressively worse throughout the tournament before being laid to rest by South Korea in the group stage in what will be recalled as one of the worst defeats any German national side has suffered. Certainly their most troubling in tournament football in living memory.

Argentina narrowly avoided a similar ignominy when Marcos Rojo scored an astonishing volley with five minutes remaining of their group match with Nigeria, but they were fortunate to remain active at the finals. One suspects they are living on borrowed time. The French must feel they have the minerals and vibrancy to handle such a side despite toiling to raise themselves from their torpor that was enough to win Group C in second gear.

France's 1998 World Cup winner Marcel Desailly feels Argentina are a poor imitation of the teams that struck gold in 1978 and 1986.

“I can recall Argentina’s 1978 victory at their World Cup – one of my first football memories. Some great players such as Mario Kempes, Osvaldo Ardiles and then of course Jorge Burruchaga, Jorge Valdano and Maradona for the 1986 side,” said Marcel Desailly in the Guardian.

La Albiceleste have been one-paced, one-dimensional and lack imagination or gusto to penetrate quality opposition despite the best intentions of Messi, who seems to have spent more time running up cul-de-sacs than cutting opponents to the quick.

Sometimes you study Messi’s body language and wonder if he is as much as the problem as the solution. However ridiculous that may sound, it can be a curse being all-knowing. The head of God is as much an issue for Argentina as the hand.

On the eve of the match with France, you are left wondering who is running the show at Argentina? Is it coach Jorge Sampaoli or is it Messi?

Sampaoli was forced to deny claims that Messi was managing him. Not exactly the greatest notion before such a pivotal match.

When Sampaoli was in the midst of introducing Sergio Aguero as a substitute against Nigeria, he seemed to spend a few moments consulting Messi before making the tactical change.

"I remember that point in time but everything I say to my players is personal and I will not divulge what was said," said Sampaoli .

Which may be believable, but such sentiments become a little vexed when there was alleged mutiny on the bounty after the 1-1 draw with Iceland and the 3-0 throttling by Croatia left them facing win-or-bust against Nigeria in Group D.

With 127 caps since 2005, this represents Messi's last realistic chance of winning the World Cup at the age of 31. And perhaps ending the debate about his place in the pantheon of all-time greats. The global public remember World Cups more than any sporting event, and indeed chart their lives by them. Messi is already exalted, but Maradona's legend is equally venerated.

The joys of Messi the player are different from the skillset needed to coach. Messi delivered a team talk during half-time against Nigeria which has been widely praised, but it is surely hugely concerning when the manager is not managing. Running matters by committee historically does not provide answers.

Messi is not required as a talker, but as a performer. Actions always speak louder than words. If the players do not believe in Sampaoli, they will not survive much longer whether or not Messi is dictating personnel and tactics.

There are obvious concerns for Argentina with Nicolás Otamendi, Gabriel Mercado and Nicolás Tagliafic in defence and Javier Mascherano in midfield looking as a slow as rust as they struggle to adapt to demands of a high press.

Unless Messi can deliver his most heroic effort in an Argentina shirt, one to rival his Barcelona vintage, Kazan will mark the end of their troubled journey.

It is one that will leave plenty of time for recriminations and a putsch. And more Maradona tragedy from the side.