Ossie Ardiles has termed the current Argentina squad as the worst in history. Argentina opened their campaign with a draw against debutants Iceland a game which saw Lionel Messi miss a penalty which could have been the winner for Jorge Sampaoli’s men. On Thursday night, they were humiliated by Croatia after a 0-3 defeat which left them at risk of a first group stage exit in 16 years. The 1978 World Cup winner Ardiles, in a lengthy social media rant, did not hold back in his criticism of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and coach Jorge Sampaoli.
“From world champion to being the worst national team in Argentine history. Where to start? From the top,” the former midfielder wrote on Twitter. three coaches in a year and a president elected in the spur of the moment. Players. Many, too many of them whose time in the national team is up. The lack of personality is striking. Plan A of Sampaoli: give the ball to Messi and wait for a miracle. If plan A doesn’t work, plan B. There’s no plan B.”
Despite Messi being criticized by many, Ardiles remained full of praise for the Barcelona lethal man.
“All the decline during recent years was concealed behind this incomparable genius, who we had the luck was born in Argentina,” he added. “But in the end, it was too much for him as well. Leo: thanks a lot for everything. And all the luck in the world for the future.” Ardiles also described Sampaoli as “arrogant” and “ignorant”, while he urged Nicolas Otamendi to apologize for a second-half incident with Ivan Rakitic that saw the Manchester City defender booked for kicking the ball at his opponent.