‘Messi is paying the price for being the best in the world’- Columbia’s Falcao defends the Argentine

Columbia’s veteran striker Radamel Falcao has come in defense of Lionel Messi after his team inflicted Argentina a lossing start in the Copa America tournament.

Messi, once again was singled out by pundits for criticism following the 2-0 loss in Brazil but Falcao has come out in support of the Barcelona forward.

“Messi was close to scoring against us, but he is sure to convert in the next couple of matches,” Falcao said Ole after the Colombia victory.

“If Messi scores a goal, people ask for two. If he scores a free-kick, they’ll say the wall wasn’t set up properly. If Argentina lose, it will be talked about like it was his fault.

“That’s the price you pay for being the best player in the world.”

After a round-of-16 exit at the World Cup last summer, Messi’s tryst with national team destiny is still going on.

Early exit from Russia was a huge disappointment and Messi was singled out for blame for the dismal run of the Albiceleste.

This summer’s Copa America presents another opportunity for the country but the loss to Colombia has brought the impatience of the fans to the surface.

The press don’t help and legends like Diego Maradona have also criticised the team. Lionel Scaloni’s team have two more games to turn things around: against Paraguay on Wednesday and then Qatar on Sunday.