Argentina’s first-round group games feature matchups against arch-rivals Mexico. They are also presented with the challenge of a Robert Lewandowski-led Poland team while opening their campaign against underdogs Saudi Arabia. The White and Sky Blue are expected to place Messi at the focal point of its strategy.

This is likely the 35-year-old’s final appearance on the big stage, and everyone is rooting for him to finally achieve his dream of a World Cup title. Before all else, Nitrobetting shares a closer look at one of the most decorated players in the history of soccer in this 2022 FIFA World Cup Player Spotlight: Lionel Messi.

2022 FIFA World Cup Player Spotlight: Lionel Messi

Consistent performances throughout his career

Since kick-starting his career in Barcelona, the Argentinian shook the world with his incredible skill. At five-foot-seven inches, his low center of gravity, stellar footwork, and vision makes him a major threat against any team. Lionel Messi finished an incredible career with Barcelona between 2004-2021, scoring 672 goals in 778 appearances while providing 303 assists. Moreover, he registered 86 goals in 162 appearances for his country.

At the moment, Messi plays a crucial role in his club’s rotation alongside Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. He’s scored nine goals in 30 appearances since joining in 2021 and continues to play at a high level. The professional soccer player also enters the top goalscorer talks as a +1,100 favorite.

Redemption for 2014

Messi came closest to lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy in Brazil in 2014. However, Argentina was challenged by a machine-like German squad. He scored four goals in seven games in the tournament and went scoreless in the final, losing the game 1-0. Given his immense talent, Messi’s return of six goals in 19 appearances at the finals is quite bland compared to other competitors.

The 2010 World Cup in South Africa was disappointing for him as well after failing to find the back of the net and Argentina was dropped in the quarter-finals. He managed a goal at the 2006 and 2018 editions, but his 2014 run remains his career-best record and now enters the picture as +400 favorites to join the finals.

Last hurrah

It’s crunch time for the seven-time Ballon D’or winner. This is possibly his last shot at World Cup glory. Having played inspiration to his respective national team to continental glory, he knows that Argentina is capable of winning in Qatar if they can outdo heavy favorites like Brazil, France, and Germany.

If Messi gets the job done, this puts the perfect seal on his career. It leaves him with ineffaceable memories of greatness on the club and international levels. Soccer’s new generation of superstars is just around the corner, but they have to think again about taking the spotlight away from one of the greats.

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This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more soccer previews and articles, and don’t forget to check out the latest soccer betting odds on our crypto sportsbook.

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