Russia 2018: Messi and Sampaoli on Twitter

Argentina’s manager. Jorge Sampoali and national team captain, Lionel Messi, have been massively criticised and trolled after yet another poor display at the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The La Albiceleste were thrashed 3-0 by Croatia in their second group D match on Thursday.

After their disappointing performance in the opening game against debutants, Iceland, who held the two-time winners to a 1-1 draw, many expected better from Messi and his teammates.

However, three second half goals from Ante Rebic, Luka Modric, and man of the match, Ivan Rakitic handed the Croatians their second victory over their South American counterparts in their sixth meeting.

With Messi firing blanks for the second successive game, failing to inspire his side, football fans took to their social media accounts to react.

Here are some of the best reactions to Argentina’s first defeat in the 2018 world cup.

We start with this meme from YourSportsMemo, which aptly captures how Croatia thrashed Argentina.

https://twitter.com/acl_sports/status/1009887689104

Manager, Sampoali, was given a fair dose of the blame, with the ex-Sevilla boss getting the title, ‘fraud’.

Sampaoli is an absolute disgrace, Messi banter aside Argentina FA have failed Messi. How can you have arguably the GOAT and not be able to build an actual team with an actual plan for him? Employing a hipster clown with an ego the size of his bald head who is self obsessed.

— Dezil Dez ?? (@DezilDezz) June 21, 2018

Sampaoli is a terrible coach. I repeat he is a terrible coach. For the 3rd time Sampaoli is a terrible coach.

— Kofi (@RealAmenkuta) June 21, 2018

Sampoli is tactically bankrupt ???#ARGCRO

— THE WAAKYE EATER?? (@nipples_boobs) June 21, 2018

I said eeeettttt Sampaoli is a fraud ?

— Kemi (@TheKemi_Y) June 21, 2018

But with the heated argument for who the best player is between Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, it’s no surprise the best reactions were directed at the Barcelona legend.

Is this your GOAT? #ARGCRO pic.twitter.com/LTvJMhIRxM

— Ebuka Akara (@ebuka_akara) June 21, 2018

If bad luck had a face ?
Feeling sad for this guy ???
#ARGCRO pic.twitter.com/WekQ7NXt2W

— Mehfooz (@ChalNaNikal) June 21, 2018

“I wish I could score like Rakitic” #ARGCRO pic.twitter.com/88lIE7Iu5I

— 9GAG Football ⚽ (@9GAGFootball) June 21, 2018

No doubt at the International stage Messi has always fallen shot off the standards. That's his blemish that would mar his books when he opens to recount his history.

— JasonBannerman (@jasonbannerman) June 21, 2018

Messi dropping 1/10, gets dominated by Modric in Midfield & bested by Lovren in attack with no shot on Target. Your Village EWU & Real Betis GOAT #NFFCShow

— KinG NomSo? (@ani_nomso) June 21, 2018

Messi why make a legend cry. #ARGCRO pic.twitter.com/NFxyvRkwnG

— Mcholi™ (@JokkeneThomas) June 21, 2018

For these ones, thunder is about to strike at the same spot twice…

Who cares if he retires he hasn't done enough to be missed by his country. Only Barcelona will miss messi retirement

— biodun (@OgbeniBiodun) June 21, 2018

https://twitter.com/_ohenekunta/status/100988623851246796

Messi on the verge of retiring from international football for the second time, younger than Ronaldo.

— Utd (@SimplyUtd) June 21, 2018

Messi dropping 1/10, gets dominated by Modric in Midfield & bested by Lovren in attack with no shot on Target. Your Village EWU & Real Betis GOAT #NFFCShow

— KinG NomSo? (@ani_nomso) June 21, 2018

That debate again…

Who’s the Greatest of all time ?

RETWEET for Ronaldo
LIKE for Messi #ARGCRO #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/mjJejmlzRj

— Baba Ibeji (@Marapolsa) June 21, 2018

But these guys here believe there is no need for that debate anymore, especially with Ronaldo already on four goals to Messi’s zero in Russia.

The Messi vs Ronaldo debate is over, at least for this year.

And Ronaldo is the clear winner

— Mr. Jack Robinson (@jackdre02) June 21, 2018

Case closed. https://t.co/iJeVNXcnzd

— ƊaN' God's PLaN (@Dinnydavinci) June 21, 2018

A message for Javier Mascherano…

Maschereno thought he was describing Nigeria Super Eagles… He never knew he was describing Argentina

— maziNze™ (@hand2ome) June 21, 2018

And what’s football without the fickle fans?

Messi is no longer my GOAT. Man is just useless without Barcelona ?

— BAYODE (@bayoblack) June 21, 2018

And that one person who gets carried away?

Think Croatia could actually win the World Cup.. Maybe they lack a decent striker though

— James (@jamesneill1878) June 21, 2018

While Messi had the lion share of the criticisms, there were few who had something to say about the team.

I thought Nigeria was worse. Then I realised Argentina that has Messi is "worster ?#ARGCRO #WorldCup

— Baba Ibeji (@Marapolsa) June 21, 2018

Argentina defence is as dodgy as my neighbours benefits claim ??

— SCHOLES (@iamscholes) June 21, 2018

Imagine your country losing by 3 goals to Croatia. Could never be my country.

We only lose by 2.

— Cerè Maradonné (@Cerebrone) June 21, 2018

This Argentina side is Papa Ajasco levels of farce. #Arg

— Solace Chukwu (@TheOddSolace) June 21, 2018

Honestly, Argentine played bad. Neither Caballero nor Messi should get bully. They bad as a team. On the other side, Croatia played good as a team. Their passing is something that I really want to see in Utd's players.

— Febryana R. A. Lubis (@gloomydoo) June 21, 2018

I have never seen a more shitty Argentine side than this ???
Lacking in almost all departments and a shadow of the side it once used to be ?#ARGCRO #FifaWorldCup18

— SHRIKANT GUPTA (@sankeron) June 21, 2018

This whole Argentina team, including messi, has been so trash lmao. You can't say he's playing with bums when he's out there looking like one too

— PlayoffSZN (@Juanderooney) June 21, 2018

And in case you don’t know what Argentina means in English, well, this user certainly will help you.

“What is: Argentina?”#JeopardySports #ARGCRO pic.twitter.com/lTKI3gd1ER

— Jeopardy! Sports (@JeopardySports) June 21, 2018

Can the Super Eagles of Nigeria find inspiration from Argentina’s defeat ahead of their all-important clash against Iceland on Friday? They answer is yes, according to this patriotic Nigerians.

This is the best motivation Super Eagles need. Just beat Iceland tomorrow. Then, you can manage the game against Argentina as you deem fit.

— Oracle (@Micahesq) June 21, 2018

Finally, this particular user spares a thought for kids who will go a day with food, after Messi’s failure to register a goal means no food from MasterCard for 10000 kids each time the Argentine and Neymar scored a goal.