Arrigo Sacchi: “Messi isn’t the greatest Argentinean of all time”

Sacchi, who led Italy to the 1994 World Cup final, also gave his opinion on why Messi has won everything there is to win with Barcelona but has not had the same success with Argentina. “A team has the kind of potency that even Messi alone doesn’t have. Messi has won a lot more and with considerably more ease at Barcelona than with with Argentina. What’s missing? A clearly defined playing style. If even Messi needs support, can you imagine what it’s like for other players? The style of play guides you and helps you to be a better player. In football one player should never be responsible for helping all the others. You have to have 11 motivated players with a very strong team spirit, and a coach who offers a defined, collective style. If on top of that you have talented players, so much the better. But if you don’t have that wealth of talent, look at Germany, who manage to win [titles] or get close whatever they have at their disposal. Because they have a plan. Argentina are always among the favourites but maybe they need more cohesion, more team spirit.”