Diego Simeone rubbed salt in the wounds after Lionel Messi’s no-show against Croatia, suggesting that Cristiano Ronaldo is more capable of lifting up a “normal team” than the Barcelona star.
Simeone’s comments, made in a WhatsApp audio message to his Atletico Madrid assistant, German Burgos, were leaked in Spain following Argentina’s humiliating 3-0 defeat by Croatia.
The result leaves the South Americans on the verge of elimination from the World Cup after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Iceland, in which Messi saw his penalty effort saved. The Albiceleste must now beat Nigeria in their final game to stand any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.
Discussing Argentina’s exit, Simeone insinuated he would pick Ronaldo, who has already scored four goals for Portugal in Russia, over Messi for a “normal team”.
“Messi is very good but he is very good because he is accompanied by extraordinary players,” Simeone said.
“But if you had to choose between Messi and Ronaldo for a normal team, who would you choose?”
Simeone, who captained Argentina during the 1998 World Cup, also criticised the current side for their lack of spirit and direction – an issue which he believes stretches back to the last World Cup.
“What we saw against Croatia is the picture of what has happened over the past four years,” said Simeone.
“I do not see anyone leading. There is no leadership, either from the coach, who should be leading, or the players, who should be led. I see that the team is lost.
“It is clear that in the dressing room players are holding on to fists but in these situations, you need someone to fight.
“We all say the players are the most important part of the game and the coach usually play it down when players mess it up, but the Coach is also participating in this.”
