To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Lionel Messi Proves He’s A Leader With Inspiration Half-Time Team Talk

Lionel Messi Proves He’s A Leader With Inspiration Half-Time Team Talk

You don't see this very often.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

In the past Lionel Messi has been criticised for his 'lack of leadership' both on and off the pitch.

For some doubters, though, that all changed when Argentina were clinging on for their World Cup lives coming into the second half of their vital Group D clash.

Argentina were 1-0 up thanks to a Lionel Messi goal in the 14th minute, but Nigeria were beginning to put pressure on their opponents for large spells.

When that half-time whistle blew the game was certainly in the balance.

As both teams prepared to enter the field of play, the five-time Balon d'Or winner gathered his teammates together and gave an inspiration speech.

Image: BBC
Image: BBC

Image: BBC
Image: BBC

Image: BBC
Image: BBC

Image: BBC
Image: BBC

Image: BBC
Image: BBC

In the past many have accused Messi of being quiet in big moments like these, but he proved his doubters wrong on Tuesday night with a brilliant act of leadership.

As you can see in the above, Messi looks to demand what he wants from those around him.

Did he make a different here? who knows, but it's great to see the 31-year-old taking the lead

BBC pundit Rio Ferdinand certainly noticed a difference in the Barcelona forward for their crunch game against Nigeria.

"His body language, immediately as he came on the pitch, was different to what we've seen in this World Cup," he said on the BBC.

"He looked like there was a spark about him, there's an energy about him, that 'this was my stage, my moment now'.

Take a look at his brilliant analysis below:

Thoughts on Messi's performance against Nigeria on Tuesday?

Let us know in the comments below.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football News, Football, Lionel Messi, Argentina, World Cup

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

X

@jackkenmare_