Pundit urges Lionel Messi to make 'slight adjustment' in order to get back into 'top speed' after Argentina's 2-0 win over Canada
ESPN Pundit Shaka Hislop believes Lionel Messi is yet to get up to speed with international football after Argentina's 2-0 win in their Copa America opener.
While La Albiceleste weren't at their best, they managed to secure a victory over Canada on Thursday (June 20). Hislop, however, believes that Messi's performance wasn't up to the mark and suggested the MLS may have something to do with it.
Currently, the 36-year-old represents Inter Miami in the USA after deciding to join the side in the summer of 2023. Claiming that the pace of that league may have something to do with Messi's latest outing, the former West Ham United star said:
"You take a game or two to get back into top speed, I think that's the big takeaway from it. All the parts are still there, they were all evidenced there except that finishing touch."
"Maybe playing in the MLS, he has half a second more and is able to be a little more comfortable, bit more controlled in those little dinks he likes to go for. But, given what we've seen, I think it's just a slight adjustment for Lionel Messi."
Although Messi failed to find the net against the Canadians, it was he who provided two key passes that led to Argentina's goals, one of which was an assist for Lautaro Martinez. To date, he's made 183 appearances for his country across competitions, bagging 108 goals and 58 assists.
Former USMNT star Herculez Gomez lauds Lionel Messi's impact despite not being at his best
Former USMNT star Herculez Gomez has lauded Lionel Messi for his impact in Argentina's 2-0 win against Canada in Copa America despite failing to score.
Speaking to ESPN, Gomez said:
"He's still one of the best players in the final third in the world today. I don't care where he plays, you give a player of that calibre, that experience, that time and space, he's going to hurt you. And even not on his best day, he set up two goals."
Messi is a critical part of the Argentina team and led them to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022. The Inter Miami sensation also won the Golden Ball for being the tournament's best player.
He will next be in action when La Albiceleste take to the field against Chile on Tuesday (June 25). The fourth team in their group is Peru.