Argentina just can't get over the fact they once again lost a finals.
After losing the 2014 FIFA World Cup to Germany, they suffered the same fate in Copa America against Chile this year. They have the best player in the world in Lionel Messi and for most Argentinians, everything except first place finish is a disappointment.
After last month's loss, Lionel Messi is being attacked by local fans. Now, he somehow found a friend in 1986 World Cup winner and fellow Argentinian Jorge Valdano.
The Argentinian football legend warned Lionel Messi might suffer the same fate as Brazilian legend Ronaldo who felt heavy pressure during the 1998 World Cup which they eventually lost to hosts France in the finals.
Before the last dance, Ronaldo suffered anxiety attack because of the pressure. Valdano is afraid that this could happen to Lionel Messi.
"I knew the Brazilian Ronaldo closely. He was fun, intelligent and with truly fascinating footballing conditions," Valdano said in an interview with Mundo D.
"When he got to the final of France '98 he suffered an attack which still hasn't been explained by science. It had to do with the pressure on his nervous system."
Before that, the former Real Madrid star lamented the way Argentinians treat Lionel Mess0i who is also the star of Spanish team Barcelona.
"I understand people need scapegoats, and they also need heroes. Messi carries the two roles on his shoulders," he told Mundo D.
"When the team wins and he contributes to the success with his fantastic football, we go to the altar to worship him. When the team loses, we go to the same altar to sacrifice him.
"In five of the six games he played at the Copa America in Chile, he was chosen as the best player.
"When you have the pressure of a nation on your back, it's difficult to enjoy it. Messi, in those moments, plays with 40 million people watching him."
