FLASH
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Lionel Messi is having another outstanding World Cup in individual terms. The Argentina captain has scored 7 goals in 4 matches, is the top scorer in World Cup history with 20 goals and has become the first player to score in eight consecutive matches, as well as the first to find the net in every stage of the World Cup.
However, despite these records, over-reliance on Messi could make Argentina's path to defending their world title difficult.
Not all that glitters is gold.
In the Argentine team, almost every offensive action passes through the feet of Lionel Messi. He is the organizer of the game, the executor of set pieces and the player who dictates the pace of the attack. His presence also influences the choices of his teammates, who often avoid long-range shots or crosses into the area, constantly looking for combinations with the number 10, even when he is covered by two or three opponents.
The numbers highlight the dependence on Messi
Beyond the seven goals scored, which account for the majority of Argentina's achievements, the statistics also show another aspect. Strikers like Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez have had less protagonism in the attacking phase, remaining in the shadow of the team leader. This dependence on a single player could limit Argentina's offensive options against stronger opponents.
History shows that World Cups are won with collective contribution.
Statistics from past World Cup editions show that the champion teams have usually had a more balanced distribution of goals.
Four years ago, in Argentina's triumph, Messi scored 7 of the team's 15 goals. In the 2018 World Cup, France was declared champion with 14 goals, while its top scorer was Antoine Griezmann with just four goals. In 2014, Thomas Müller scored five of Germany's 18 goals as champions.
Other world champions have followed the same pattern. Italy, in 2006, scored 11 goals, while Luca Toni and Marco Materazzi were the top scorers with two goals each. Brazil in 2002 won the title thanks to Ronaldo's eight goals out of the team's 18. In 1986, Diego Maradona scored five of Argentina's 14 goals, while in the 1958 World Cup, Pele scored six of Brazil's 16 goals.
If Argentina are to defend their World Cup title, Lionel Messi's record will need to be matched by the greatest offensive contribution from the rest of the team. World Cup history has consistently shown that trophies are won by the group, not just its stars.
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