Lionel Messi’s stature as a footballer is known to everyone. Often regarded as the greatest soccer player of all time, Lionel Messi has millions of fans all over the world. However, it’s not surprising that many fellow soccer players are fans of Messi.
It’s a common sight to see soccer players seeking Messi’s jersey or clicking photographs with him after a game. Such an incident again happened after the match between Argentina and Australia in the FIFA World Cup 2022. A video of Australian players waiting to click photographs with the seven-time Ballon d’Or-winner has gone viral on the internet. The video which was uploaded on Twitter has garnered almost 2 million views.
Argentina eliminates Australia from the world cup
Argentina defeated Australia in the second tie of the round of 16 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar with a scoreline of 2-1. The two-times-world champions progressed to the quarterfinals of the tournament for the first time since the 2014 World Cup.
Argentina dominated the entirety of the game, with Messi scoring the opening goal in the 35th minute. Messi overtook Diego Maradona to become the second top scorer for Argentina in the world cup finals. Argentina’s legendary striker Gabriel Batistuta sits at the top with ten goals to his name. The Paris Saint-Germain star has currently nine goals to his name.
Argentina’s second was scored by Manchester City’s exciting new signing Julian Alvarez, who scored in his second start for the La Albiceleste. Albeit Australia temporarily got back in the game with an unlucky Enzo Fernandez own-goal, Argentina’s defense emphatically nullified any further Australian attacks.
Argentina will face the Netherlands in the quarterfinals after the Dutch defeated the USA in the round of 16.
Australian players slammed for fanboying over Lionel Messi
Australian players have been slammed for fanboying over Lionel Messi after their 1-2 defeat to Argentina. It was Australia’s first appearance in the knock-out stages of the World Cup. However, Australian fans have slammed the soccer players after they lined up to have their pictures taken with Messi.
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Fans have blamed the Australian players for their lack of professionalism after their defeat. Despite the defeat, the Australian players were seen smiling and fanboying over the former Barcelona star. The fans condemned the players, saying that “they lost the battle even before stepping on the field“. Another fan commented, “No wonder they lost.” One fan even said, “Absolutely ridiculous, I wouldn’t even get closer to them, I can’t be a fanboy if I lose a world cup match against them, it is a rule but they do not know that.“
There were also some fans who backed their players, saying “Who wouldn’t he’s one of the greatest players to play the game“.
Fans have especially criticized Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, whose costly error gifted the second goal to Argentina. Mathew Ryan apologized to the fans shortly after the match. He said ” We learn from our hardships in life and it’s definitely one for me. It hurts a lot, but I won’t let it get the better of me or define me. I’ll come back stronger for it.”
However, Australian coach Graham Arnold praised his players saying, “We’re the only Socceroo team to win two games at a World Cup. I hope Australia is really, really proud. ” Arnold also proved his critics wrong after the team was labeled as “the worst Socceroo team to qualify for the world cup” ahead of the tournament.