Previous Argentina and Inter defender Javier Zanetti trusts weight on Lionel Messi has expanded as of late after the national side’s battles. La Albiceleste lost 1-0 to Germany in the World Cup last in Brazil four years back and furthermore endured sequential Copa America annihilations to Chile in 2015 and 2016.
Messi, who turns 31 not long from now, has won all that he can at club level yet has just figured out how to win an Olympic gold decoration with his nation in 2008. Presently planning for what could be his last World Cup, Messi conveys the expectations of Argentina on his shoulders again and does as such with a heightened investigation on his exhibitions, as per Zanetti.
“There is a lot of pressure on him, but not only in this competition but also in the past,” Zanetti told Mediaset.
“Everyone expects it to be his World Cup and that Argentina can win, but it will be difficult because I see other more equipped national teams.
“The defeats in the two Copa America and World Cup finals further increase pressures on him and the team from the press. We expect a lot.
“It [the World Cup] stops all the country, there is great enthusiasm and passion for this national team and we hope to get to the end of the competition.”
Argentina begin their World Cup campaign against debutants Iceland on Saturday, before taking on Croatia and Nigeria to complete their Group D fixtures.