That last free kick when he (Messi) had all that time to consider and (even rest) was not the mark of the "Golden Player" for sure.
To take anything away from the caliber player that Messi is over that free kick is just silly.
OK, your correct! Messi is a great player but he couldn't carry his team today. It was a close game I just don't appreciate the fall back defense game Argentina played today.
Jack
All things considered, I think Messi played a very good game individually. How many shots did he miss? How much support didn't he have on any of his shots? It seemed that every time he made a run, he was all alone, one player supporting or surrounded by the German team. Germany was nearly always supported by a group of players everywhere on the field.
I had heard from one of the announcers that the German coach had brought only one true striker (Klose) and no backs. He brought only midfielders. I think that was a stroke of genius. Everytime the team got the ball in defensive area, they seemed always to have a lot of choices of who to pass to. The long balls were dead n the foot (or body) of team-mates.
Messi seemed to not have as many choices. It seemed he was the only one getting the ball into penalty and or goal area. I don't knock him. How many elbows were thrown at opponents heads? (Note a reply above about Red Cross being needed) Messi was NOT a contributor to such action. I give him credit even tho i was not rooting for him, or his team.
Tinker