Croatia advances to knockout stage after beating Argentina 3-0

Not to take anything away from Croatia who could go far in the tournament but... as far as Argentina goes, I have never seen such a waste of talents.

I fear that Messi might end up like Ichiro, one of the best in their game, but never a world champ. The fate of stars in team sports.

it’s a messy game for messi.

To stage the obvious, it is a team sport. Clearly Argentina does not a good team dynamic going for whatever reason.

Don't cry for me Argentina :)

Shame on Messi for continual unsportsmanlike conduct, wandering off the field without shaking the hands of the Croatians. There is dignity in not being yourself or losing, ya know.

According to the Argentinean coach, the whole team and himself have developed a serious reliance on Messi ( "We work to give Leo the ball, but the opponent also works hard to prevent him from getting the ball"). I wonder how Diego Simeone could do if he were the coach of this troubled squad. Perhaps, letting Messi on the bench could improve their chance in the next match.

Argentina has been like this for a while, typically relying on 2 or 3 class players but let down by the rest of the team. This world cup has seen smaller teams play more as "teams" rather than rely on their top players to produce the results.

Erm, let’s not forget the opposition. Croatia are a very good side. I would pay to watch Modric train - superb footballer. There are a few other real class acts in the Croatia side.

I’m glad to see them progress.

Croatia are a good side, Argentina a mediocre one. Too many countries in this Cup are relying to past reputations to intimidate the opposition, only teams can see past the illusion. Look at Iceland, they made it clear they weren't bothered about reputations.

rocketpandaToday 09:42 am JSTArgentina has been like this for a while, typically relying on 2 or 3 class players but let down by the rest of the team. This world cup has seen smaller teams play more as "teams" rather than rely on their top players to produce the results.

You might be right. Putting all your eggs in one basket isn't a good ploy for any team. I saw this game on TV. Nothing against Croatia but I hoped Argentina would win this.

Argentina were dire in qualifying, using 3 managers and 40 different players, and only just scraped into the World Cup thanks to Messi’s brilliance in the final game. Then they got absolutely destroyed by Spain, 6-1, in a friendly earlier this year. This result has been on the cards for a while.

Top quality attackers, an invisible midfield and shambolic defending is a recipe for failure at this level. Luka Modric though, what a player he is. Best midfielder in the world right now.

If it upsets that overweight coke addicted cheat, bravo!

If it upsets that overweight coke addicted cheat, bravo!

Oh, come on. That was over 30 years ago. Maradona was the greatest player of my lifetime and an entertaining nutcase as a manager. Great stuff.

Messi doesn’t have the kind of presence Maradona had.

I didn’t see Di Stefano, Pele, Cruyff or Beckenbauer, but I think Maradona has a greater claim to ‘goat’ than Messi.

Argentina, which has not missed the second round since failing to qualify for the 1970 World Cup

Ermm, sorry associated press but I'm pretty sure I saw Argentina fail to get out of group F finishing 3rd during Japan 2002. I was at all 3 of their games so I know.

Argentina's supposed great record according to AP isn't so great after all.

Well at least Messi can take his paycheck to the bank after all is done. Is he overrated ? I canʻt say...

Lol, the memes are coming fast and furious

https://i.imgur.com/4orvtC7.jpg

Plenty of greats have never been a World Cup Champion. Christiano Ronaldo has the same amount of Player of the Year honors as Messi but no one seems to criticize him and Messi has led his team further in the tournament since he started playing.