Argentina’s 1978 World Cup winner and top scorer Mario KEMPES spoke to TyC Sports recently and has made his opinion clear on what should be the future for both the National Team and Lionel MESSI.
“MESSI must be left to rest from any national team duties because we have seen that there is nothing much he can do. You have to start working with players who are based in Argentina. Only then, if it is necessary and if you feel like it, you can include MESSI in the team.”
KEMPES recently offered himself take over the head coach of the National Team if Jorge SAMPAOLI gets the sacking. He was also critical of the group of players.
“We must start with a clean slate and go with a new batch of players. Ten years with the same group and yet we have achieved nothing. For me, that’s it, the cycle is finished. You have to start looking at other players.”
KEMPES also acknowledged that the national team has been suffering on what he describes as Messimaniac.
“He (MESSI) is the soul of the team and if things do not work, there is no one else who has the ability to put the team on his shoulder. The players of the national team lack personality and courage.”
On the conflict between the players and the coaching staff that took place in Russia, to the point that there were reports that SAMPAOLI was no longer in charge and the players were making all decisions.
“I felt there was a lack of respect for what the players did to SAMPAOLI.”
Lastly, on how he feels this group of players will be remembered, the man known as El Matador had this to say.
“They are going to be like any of those great players that have been victorious in every club they’ve played for but weren’t able to do anything with the national team. This was the best national team that Argentina had in all of the different era’s, but they were never able to play as a team.”
