In the past Lionel Messi has been criticised for his ‘lack of leadership’ both on and off the pitch.
For some doubters, though, that all changed when Argentina were clinging on for their World Cup lives coming into the second half of their vital Group D clash.
Argentina were 1-0 up thanks to a Lionel Messi goal in the 14th minute, but Nigeria were beginning to put pressure on their opponents for large spells.
When that half-time whistle blew the game was certainly in the balance.
As both teams prepared to enter the field of play, the five-time Balon d’Or winner gathered his teammates together and gave an inspiration speech.
In the past many have accused Messi of being quiet in big moments like these, but he proved his doubters wrong on Tuesday night with a brilliant act of leadership.
As you can see in the above, Messi looks to demand what he wants from those around him.
BBC pundit Rio Ferdinand certainly noticed a difference in the Barcelona forward for their crunch game against Nigeria.
“His body language, immediately as he came on the pitch, was different to what we’ve seen in this World Cup,” he said on the BBC.
“He looked like there was a spark about him, there’s an energy about him, that ‘this was my stage, my moment now’.
sportbible.com
