This is not first final of world cup for Messi nor is this first Argentinian knock out match against France. In 2014 WC Messi and Argentina reached to final and lost to Germany 0-1. In just last WC Argintina was up against France in Semi Final but lost 3-1. Thus what new can happen which will change fortunes of Messi and Argentina this time. Argentina has a weapon this time which they lacked before, a STRIKER. In fact Argentina have Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alveraz fighting for this one spot. Messi finaly have his Villa/Suarez/Neymar at national team. If Argentina plays 4-4-2 with both Alveraz and Martinez, which is very likely, even without Messi this is potent enough attack. What happens than, MESSI CAN PLAY DEEP AND EVEN IN MIDfield.
In fact Messi is already doing that, Messi assist in Nethersland game and the one in Crotia game clear enough to show this threat. Three or four threats are generated by this Messi pattern. If you want to see this pattern in full force watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid of Nov 29, 2010 when Messi's team outclassed and outmanuvered Madrid 5 goals to nil.
1- Messi cannot be marked in midfield, Messi is too good dribbler and ball player that no one can mark him one on one. He has proved this dozens of times. Lets suppose France deploy one or two players to mark him. In such case either some defender will have to come deep or some midfielder will be used. Which will outnumber either midfield or defence line.
2- Di Maria or extra Midfielder factor, if French midfield is outnumbered and they succeed in containing Messi, extra midfielder becomes lethal. This pattern was used by Scaloni in COPA America final against Brazil. Argentina does have strike and midfield force to capitalize on this advantage.
3- Alvarez factor, Martinez is equally dangerous but is been unlucky recently. Julian Alveraz is the one who can even score past his luck. He is the player Messi need when defenders come deep to mark him leaving spaces up front. Thats what happened against Nethersland and even Crotia. Messi is best midfielder with verticle passes, watch that El Clasico of 2010.
4- If Messi is not marked, if France just ignores him or fails to contain Messi in midfield its the worst case sceario. What happens ask Gvardiol and Bayren Team which played against MSN in 2014. You just cannot leave Messi unmarked in the midfield because up front he had to wait for the ball. But playing in midfield he have alot of ball so alot of possible direct and indirect threats.
Thus what has changed is that Argentina is quality and efficiency in final third, Messi can go deep and fetch ball for himself, if MARKED he has other options avaliable. Messi did not had this liberty in 2014 and 2018. Remeber how Higuain spilled chances when he got easiest of them. Thats not gonna happen this time.
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