"Why does it feel like Argentina still needs Messi" - Fans chime in on Lionel Messi after Argentina lose to Colombia
Argentina fans have reacted on X after Lionel Scaloni and Co. suffered a 2-1 loss to Colombia in Lionel Messi's absence, with many believing they need the 36-year-old back in the team. The two nations locked horns in a World Cup qualifiers clash on Tuesday, September 10, with Colombia exacting revenge following their defeat to Argentina in the 2024 Copa America final.
James Rodriguez showed great awareness in the 25th minute to pick out Yerson Mosquera at the far post. The latter headed home to give Colombia the lead. However, Rodriguez conceded possession in the 48th minute, allowing Nicolas Gonzalez to level the scores.
Following a VAR review in the 57th minute, Enzo Fernandez was deemed to have tripped Daniel Munoz inside the box. Rodriguez kept his nerve to send Emi Martinez the wrong way and seal a 2-1 win for his nation.
Lionel Messi hasn't featured for Argentina since injuring his ankle in the Copa America final in July. Despite the Albiceleste winning two games since then, their 13-game streak ended abruptly in the 36-year-old's absence.
One fan believes Argentina need Lionel Messi back:
"Why does it feel like Argentina still needs Messi, but Portugal doesn’t need Ronaldo?"
Another fan tweeted:
"The absence of Messi really shows"
Other reactions can be viewed below:
"Missing Leo messi," one fan stated.
"Messi's side defeated once again," one pointed out.
"Messi ruined this Argentina super team," another commented.
"They get their deserved revenge," one fan tweeted.
How did Argentina fare in their 2-1 loss to Colombia in Lionel Messi's absence?
Lionel Messi's Argentina broke Colombian hearts in the 2024 Copa America final when they sealed a narrow 1-0 win on July 15. However, it wasn't to be last night as Los Cafeteros showed great determination to grind out the win. Despite the loss, Scaloni's men remain at the top of the CONMEBOL standings with 18 points.
Let's take a look at how both sides fared against each other:
Argentina dominated possession with 53 percent of the ball, completing 293 passes with an accuracy of 86 percent. In contrast, Colombia had 47 percent possession and completed 258 passes with an accuracy of 82 percent.
The Albiceleste mustered a total of 13 shots but landed just one effort on target, with an xG of 0.90. Meanwhile, Colombia had the pick of the chances, landing nine shots in total, with five being on target (xG of 2.56).