Spain boss Fernando Hierro believes that the blame for Argentina’s struggles at the World Cup lies with the team and not Lionel Messi. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has come under severe criticism from fans and pundits alike for his inability to inspire Argentina to win their games in the group stage.
Of the two games they have played so far, they managed to gain only one point, against Iceland, a game in which Messi missed a spot kick that would have given his team the win. However, the Spanish coach suggested that the blame for Argentina being unable to win any game so far lies on the entire team, and not on Messi.
“I have always thought that everything that happens in a game, the good and the bad, is a group issue. And if it is not, you better go play tennis,” he said, according to Goal.
“All the good or bad things that Argentina, us or everyone can do will come from that group of lads that came here fighting for one aim. Obviously there are people with huge names after winning a lot of individual prizes that have spotlights on them.”
“But if you see the group of talented players that Argentina have, and the importance of them on their clubs, you realise that it has to be a collective thing. But I have enough on my plate than to watch other teams.”
Argentina are currently in last place in their group whereas Spain are topping theirs, with a game against Morocco still to play.