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Jorge Valdano: 'Lionel Messi is a genius'

Former Real Madrid forward Jorge Valdano backs Barcelona's Lionel Messi to lead Argentina to the World Cup this summer.

Former Real Madrid forward Jorge Valdano believes that Barcelona's Lionel Messi will lead Argentina to the World Cup title this summer.

The South American outfit have not won the competition since 1986, but Valdano, who made 23 appearances for his country, has backed Messi to thrive in Brazil.

"A team that has Messi in the 23-man squad can't fail to be candidates for the trophy," he told EFE.

"He's the first genius of the 21st century. Argentines distanced themselves because they forgot about the ball, which had been their passion for 100 years.

"I think we've moved away from [legendary coach] Cesar Luis Menotti, who reflected our footballing culture best and that is condemning us."

Valdano finished his career with Real Madrid.

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona12110140112933
2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano124441313016
10Celta Vigo125161820-216
11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
16Leganes122551216-411
17Getafe12174810-210
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


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