2010 Argentina Away – Lionel Messi #10 Medium

The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa was an emotionally charged and thrilling campaign for Argentina, led by manager Diego Maradona and captain Lionel Messi.

• Group Stage (Group B):

  • Argentina 1–0 Nigeria – Gabriel Heinze’s early header sealed victory.

  • Argentina 4–1 South Korea – Gonzalo Higuaín scored a hat-trick, with Messi orchestrating the attack.

  • Argentina 2–0 Greece – Goals from Demichelis and Palermo secured a perfect group record.

• Round of 16:

  • Argentina 3–1 Mexico – Tevez scored twice, Higuaín added another; Messi again dictated play.

• Quarterfinals:

  • Germany 4–0 Argentina – A crushing defeat ended their World Cup run.

• Result: Eliminated in the quarterfinals (5th place overall).

• Key Storyline:

  • The 2010 team played with attacking flair but lacked defensive organization.

  • Messi, though not on the scoresheet, was the creative hub — drawing defenders, setting up teammates, and dazzling audiences with world-class dribbling and passing.

  • The squad was stacked with offensive talent, embodying Maradona’s all-out attacking philosophy.

• Kit:
  The 2010 Argentina away jersey, designed by Adidas, was a navy blue shirt with light blue stripes down the sides and shoulders. It was a sleek, modern take on their traditional colors — often worn in the 4–1 win against South Korea and the 3–1 victory over Mexico.

2. Player’s Impact – Lionel Messi (2010 World Cup)

Lionel Messi, wearing the legendary No. 10 shirt, entered the 2010 World Cup as the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year and Argentina’s brightest hope.

• Appearances: 5 matches (started all).

• Statistics: 0 goals, 1 official assist, and numerous chances created.

• Key Performances:

  • Was named Man of the Match in the opening two games.

  • Created countless opportunities, including key passes leading to Higuaín’s and Tevez’s goals.

  • His attacking movement, vision, and quick combinations were central to Argentina’s fluid attack.

• Role: Played as a roaming playmaker/false nine, orchestrating play behind Higuaín and Tevez.

• Legacy:

  • Though he didn’t score, Messi’s influence was undeniable.

  • The 2010 World Cup was his coming-of-age as Argentina’s true leader — a bridge between Maradona’s legacy and his own era of dominance.

3. Full Squad List – Argentina 2010 World Cup

Manager: Diego Maradona

Goalkeepers:

• Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar)

• Mariano Andújar (Catania)

• Diego Pozo (Colón)

Defenders:

• Martín Demichelis (Bayern Munich)

• Gabriel Heinze (Marseille)

• Nicolás Otamendi (Vélez Sarsfield)

• Walter Samuel (Inter Milan)

• Nicolás Burdisso (Roma)

• Clemente Rodríguez (Estudiantes)

• Ariel Garcé (Colón)

Midfielders:

• Javier Mascherano (Liverpool, Captain)

• Ángel Di María (Benfica)

• Juan Sebastián Verón (Estudiantes)

• Maxi Rodríguez (Liverpool)

• Jonás Gutiérrez (Newcastle United)

• Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina)

Forwards:

• Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

• Gonzalo Higuaín (Real Madrid)

• Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)

• Sergio Agüero (Atlético Madrid)

• Martín Palermo (Boca Juniors)

• Diego Milito (Inter Milan)