MX23RW : Monday, November 25 05:39:38| >> :120:24483:24483:

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.

ID:155518: cacheID:155518:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1823:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Carlos Tevez of Juventus celebrates after scoring his team opening goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia on December 22, 2013
Read Next:
No place in Argentina squad for Tevez
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona14111242142834
2Real Madrid1393128111730
3Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
4Villarreal137422521425
5Athletic Bilbao146532013723
6Osasuna146441922-322
7GironaGirona146352018221
8Mallorca146351312121
9Real BetisBetis145541616020
10Real Sociedad145361111018
11Celta Vigo145362224-218
12Sevilla145361318-518
13Rayo Vallecano134451314-116
14Leganes143561319-614
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas143381825-712
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol133191226-1410
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!