The coach who guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 1978 has questioned Messi's ability to help his teammates.
Former Argentina and Barcelona coach Cesar Menotti has hailed Lionel Messi's ability to single-handedly decide games in his side's favor, but feels the prolific attacker is not the type of player who makes his teammates better.
The 26-year-old has been a key figure at Barca since breaking into the first team, but Menotti thinks his compatriot is unable to carry the team on his shoulders and very much needs his teammates.
"Messi can single-handedly decide games for his team with his individual quality," Menotti told Al Primer Toque. "However, he is not the type of player who makes his teammates play better. He can score three goals from out of nowhere, but he needs a team around him to get him in good positions and to make sure he gets the ball."
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Menotti then went on to discuss Neymar's situation at Barcelona and stressed that it's a matter of time before the Brazil international will become a key figure at the Catalans.
"Neymar joined a team full of great players and he needs time to get used to Barcelona's specific style of play," he said. "He is a great player, though. Like Messi, he can decide a game from out of nowhere, too."
Neymar has netted 12 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions for Barca so far.
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