Dr. Data Bet: Argentina +500
"So God created man in his own image; in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them" Genesis 1:27.
My response to this passage is this....Who the f&$k created Lionel Messi?
Messi is the best player to ever live. He's the goat. Lets just list his professional accolades to wet the beak:
785 professional goals; 672 with Barca, 23 with PSG and 90 with Argentina.
346 professional assists
10 La Liga Titles
4 Champions League Titles
7 time Ballon d'Or
1 Copa America Title
1 Olympic Gold Medal
1 Ligue 1 Title
I can go on and on but there is one award that is missing from Messi's trophy cabinet, and that is a World Cup Title. In order win the crown jewel of world football, Messi will need a complete squad and I believe he has one this year. Here's Argentina's 26 man roster, and my starting 11 prediction in a 4-3-3 formation:
Goalkeeper: Emi Martinez (Aston Villa). This guy might be the biggest trash talker in Qatar. This man steps up during big moments, especially during PK's which is a massive plus during the knockout stages. He will command the penalty area with authority, so opposing strikers better be aware or they will take one to the chops like a WR across the middle with prime Brian Dawkins waiting to snatch someones' soul.
Defense: Christian Romero (Spurs), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid) and Nicolas Tagliafico(Lyon).
Romero and Otamendi are a solid center back combo. Otamendi has the experience and Romero has the dominate tacking ability and aerial strength. If one is in danger of accruing a second yellow or injury, Lisandro Maritnez can slide right in. Tagliafico will anchor the left flank while Molina will take the right.
Midfield: Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Leandro Paredes (Juventus), Alexis MacAllister (Brighton)
Paredes would be playing centrally, and more defensive which would allow MacAllister and/or De Paul to join the attack. The duo of De Paul and Paredes are extremely tough to dispossess and they will pass the ball extremely well. MacAllister I believe will be Argentina's breakout player this World Cup after having a great start to the EPL season with Brighton. Its a great opportunity for him after Giovanni Lo Celso was ruled out for the tournament.
Forwards: Lionel Messi (PSG), Angel Di Maria (Juventus), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
This might be the best 3 man front in the tournament. Messi, is well, Messi. Di Maria has so much pace going forward and strikes the ball with so much power and I feel like h's been playing for 30 years. Martinez might be one of the most underrated strikers/forwards in the world. If one of these guys needs a break, don't worry, here comes Paulo Dybala and young and up-and-coming superstar Julian Alvarez. This attack will cause nightmares for opponents.
I think Argentina's main goal every game (besides winning) is to win the battle of the midfield. The midfield needs to be physical, and must be able to feed their forwards. If they are able to distribute, the forwards will do their jobs. Guys like Messi and Martinez will draw so much attention from opposing defenses, so expect others like MacAllister to step up and score goals. Argentina has a solid back line that is athletic and physical enough to contain opponents attack and are also aerial threats on set pieces. They have a tough, big game goalie and I believe this will win them their 2nd World Cup.
Now DJ, hit that S%&T:
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