Argentina’s unlucky, ageing king faces France’s young pretender
—and could retire without winning the biggest trophy of all. Yet the man most likely to inherit his crown could win his second while still young. Has Mr Messi been unfortunate or Mr Mbappé lucky? Probably both.
He made his debut as an 18-year-old in 2006 and was used mainly as an impact substitute. Though he scored within a quarter of an hour in his debut against Serbia and Montenegro, the coach, José Pékerman, left him on the bench for the quarter-final with Germany, which Argentina lost on penalties. Four years later Mr Messi had the misfortune to be in a team overseen by Diego Maradona, who, for all his brilliance on the field, was little use as a coach.
In 2018 Mr Messi’s World Cup woes resumed. Argentina had four fine forwards but little stardust in midfield and defence. After squeaking through their group, in the last 16 they faced France—and the 19-year-old Mr Mbappé. Mr Mbappé’s pace won a penalty to give France the lead. Argentina equalised and then Mr Messi’s shot was deflected in to give them the lead. France brought it back to 2-2 before two cool finishes from Mr Mbappé settled it.
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