Messi's performance in the 2018 World Cup

Despite Argentina getting kicked out in the R16 in this tournament, Messi's performance was phenomenal as always. That's the topic of today's entry, so without further ado, let's look at his performance.

In the first game against Iceland, although he missed a penalty (should have been repeated for area invasion) he was still the best player in the game, with 8 dribbles, 3 key passes, 13 ground duels won, etc. In the second game, although Argentina suffered a hard loss he was still Argentina's best player, and amongst the best in the game overall. In the final game against Nigeria, he scored an amazing goal (nominated for the Puskás Award), hit the post with his free kick, and then Rojo scored the winner. Overall, he was Argentina's best player in the group stage.

Against France in the Round of 16, he first took the corner that lead to a throw-in that lead to Argentina's first goal of the game. He later assisted Argentina's other two goals, but it wasn't enough, and France kicked Argentina out of the World Cup. They would later win the tournament as well.

In the tournament overall, Messi deserved a spot in the TOTT (if Ronaldo deserved it so did Messi). This is probably one of his most underrated tournaments as well, but it was tragically cut short. His stats in the tournament were: 1 goal, 2 assists, 1 (or 2) MoTM, 6 SOT, 1 woodwork, 9 shots overall, 23 dribbles, 10 chances created, 25 SCA, 2 GCA, 16 fouls won, 44 ground duels won, 16 ball recoveries, 5 tackles, 1 interception, 66 pressures (22 succesful), 168 passes (80 forward), and 323 touches. I hope this information was interesting to you, and I'll see you in the next entry.