THE near failure of Argentina to qualify for the World Cup might actually be a good thing.

The qualifying campaign was in danger of collapsing and only the 3-1 win over Ecuador and the fact that a whole host of results went their way meant they finished third and didn’t need a playoff berth. Chile was the team that missed out and will be missed at the World Cup.

Now, the fact that it was a Messi hat-trick that got them through has again drawn up comparison of Argentina and the great Diego Maradona in his prime. The 1986 World Cup was a testament to the greatness of Maradona but it also had a few good players in Valdano and Burruchaga.

These players always came to the fore when the opponent had three players marking Maradona. The goals against England were examples of how Maradona showed how he can be the devil and a god of football.

I was sitting in the early hours of the morning in front of my TV before heading off to school and that image of him leaving England players in his wake was something that has been scorched into my mainframe. There will never be another Maradona but Messi has come quite close so far. 

Now there are many who say that to be the greatest of all time, Messi needs to win a World Cup. I strongly disagree with that statement, as the World Cup is now more a team based game and in my eyes less competitive than the Champions League.

When Germany beat Argentina in 2014 in a tight game, it showed how a superior team ethic and technical ability will always prevail. Argentina’s best chance was in 2014 as they had the best team then and were one of the favorites. This new team doesn’t yet come close but in saying that, there is still time till Russia next year.

The stuttering campaign will hopefully take the favourites tag of the team and allow them and Messi some space to regroup and come back stronger. Remember, Brazil were first to qualify and will be heavy favourites again as always, this will only be beneficial to Argentina. Alot to do till next year June but I think this qualifying campaign will actually rejuvenate this team. Vamos Argentina. – October  14, 2017.

* Gogulan Dorairajoo is manager of KL Galaxy FC and an all-round football pundit with a passion for the world’s greatest sport. He also happens to be a long suffering fan of Aston Villa FC.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.