'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFAABAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABv/aAAgBAQAAAAAmI//EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL/2gAIAQIQAAAAH//EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL/2gAIAQMQAAAAX//EACAQAAEDBAIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMBAgQABRESBiETQaH/2gAIAQEAAT8AFxW3z7ZESPEZHPKNHCwvlcqJttlXNx3n56q420MO4SoqhG5QlcPbZe8Liv/EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAP/aAAgBAgEBPwCZHf/EABURAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR/9oACAEDAQE/AK//2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
After another stellar season at Barcelona this season, many were curious to see whether Messi could replicate this form with Argentina and finally win an international trophy.
However, Argentina began their Copa America campaign poorly as they were convincingly dismantled by Colombia by two goals to nil.
In light of this result, many took to Twitter to discuss the current state of the Argentina side captained by Messi. One of the most focused upon factors of the Messi-Ronaldo debate is their success on the international stage, as well as on a club level.
With Ronaldo winning the inaugural UEFA Nation's League title, he now sits on two international trophies to Messi's zero. This is mounting pressure on the Argentine as it is entirely possible that he may never win an international trophy with Argentina.
Messi's career is a tale of two stories, with his club career and his international career being diametrically opposed in terms of success. In Barcelona, he has a well-oiled machine that revolves around him, whereas in Argentina, things seem disjointed.
Argentina's loss to Colombia isn't the end of the world, considering the dismal opposition in their group. It is still all but certain that Argentina will advance to the knockout stages.
Also see : Copa America Standings, Barcelona Transfer News.
Nevertheless, many fans were quick to post on Twitter their anger, sadness, and even happiness over the result. Many felt that the blame should be placed on Messi's teammates, who were both defensively and creatively lacking.
In addition, others were trying to offer sympathy and encouragement to the Argentinian, pointing out that the competition has only just begun, meaning there's still hope.
However, not all on Twitter felt the need to defend Messi's corner, with some highlighting Messi's key miss during the match. In addition, many were quick to point out that the focus was largely on Argentina's failings as opposed to Colombia's success.
Whilst it must be reiterated that all is not lost as it was just the opening game, and Argentina is still likely to advance to the knockout stages given the weaker opposition they'll next face.
However, when considering how some of the main contenders, like Brazil and Colombia, have started, it does show that Argentina will need to improve and quick if they are to have a chance to win the tournament.
