Argentina World Cup-Winning Midfielder Ardiles Thanks Messi For That Special Goal Vs Nigeria

Argentina legend Osvaldo Ardiles took to social media to express his frustration in the wake of the national team's elimination from the 2018 World Cup after losing 4-3 to France on Saturday afternoon.

The former Tottenham Hotspur manager congratulated France on their victory over Argentina, criticized Barcelona number ten Lionel Messi over his lack of leadership qualities but thanked him for scoring a special goal against Nigeria on Tuesday, June 26.

Messi became the first player to score a World Cup goal as a teenager, in his 20s and in his 30s courtesy of his 14th minute goal in the last round of matches in Group D.

In a series of tweets, Ardiles said : ''Messi: You played a very sad role in this World Cup. When things did not go well (and that happened too many times in this tournament) we expected much more of you.

"Lead by example, do not lower your arms. At the end of the day, many thanks for that special goal against Nigeria and I wish you the best of luck in your future.

"Future for Argentina: Start all over again. With new faces, with courage.

"Learn from so many mistakes and renew. Where does the renewal begin? In 4 years we will be there. Where we should be."

Croatia, who are the only Group D team left in the tournament, will face Denmark at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Sunday in the round of sixteen.

Igho Kingsley