The Saudi coach gave a tip to France on how to coach Messi
"We are not only focused on Messi, we have to pay attention to the whole Argentina team," coach Renard told L'Equipe on December 17. "You have to analyze his area of influence, you have to see how the ball reaches Messi's feet. Above all, you have to put pressure on De Paul. For me, he is one of the best on the Argentine side. , who has the ability to put Messi at his best.De Paul works a lot on the right flank and frees Messi up in defence.When Argentina lost the ball, De Paul was there in time to save it. study all the transit points to Messi".
Renard, the French coach, led Saudi Arabia to create the biggest shock in the 2022 World Cup when defeating Argentina 2-1 in the opening match. That match, Messi scored from a penalty at the beginning of the game, but could not make another mark in the remaining minutes. After the match, the video of coach Renard getting angry with his students at the break between two halves went viral on social media. He told the Saudi Arabian player, "Are you here to take a picture with Messi?", and then urged the players to play aggressively, emphasizing that they need to feel they can beat Argentina. As a result, Saudi Arabia scored two goals at the beginning of the second half to win all three points.
"The match against Argentina, I mobilized the left-back, left-winger and one more midfielder to completely lock Messi's space," coach Renard added. "Messi always receives the ball far from goal. He can't finish right away because it's too far, so you have to keep close. Messi can't hold the ball freely. He usually receives the ball to the right in the direction of attack. of Argentina, and try to get into the middle quickly. France can work on a countermeasure, with Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni in the back."
Coach Renard and Saudi Arabia were eliminated after the group stage with three points after three matches, but the 2022 World Cup is still considered a success for the French strategist, when the Asian representative defeated Argentina. He also emphasized that, when facing Argentina, success or failure lies in limiting Messi or not. "When Argentina lose the ball, others will work hard for Messi, especially the midfielders," coach Renard said. "Paredes, Enzo or MacAllister defend very well. But in attack, the connections between Messi and De Paul or with Alvarez will be the key for Argentina. I know De Paul, but also surprised that he plays so well. in this tournament".
The 54-year-old strategist also said that Argentina will find a way to get the ball to Messi's feet from the first pass, and France must cut these balls. Mr. Renard praised Messi, saying that the 35-year-old superstar can do anything with the ball, thanks to his special movement thinking. The French military leader also believes in Rabiot, who has just recovered from illness and is likely to kick the final. "Rabiot, Theo Hernandez, and the left-back center will be in charge of blocking Messi," he said. "I trust Rabiot, who always rolls around when France loses the ball and can get close to Messi. He can do what Blaise Matuidi did in 2018, but in a different way."
In sharing his enthusiasm with L'Equipe, coach Renard also said that it would be dangerous if France thought that Argentina only had Messi. "Scaloni will use the same formation as against the Netherlands," he guessed. "They play three central defenders, two mobile wings, three midfielders and Alvarez is paired with Messi. Compared to when facing Saudi Arabia, Messi is also much different and more difficult to coach. His teammates are the same. ".
Messi scored five goals, assisted three goals, was voted Man of the Match four times at the 2022 World Cup and broke many records since the beginning of the tournament. If he scores against France, Messi can also become the first player to score continuously from the round of 16 onwards in a World Cup. Above all, the Argentine superstar is desperate to touch the Golden Cup for the first time, in his last World Cup.
