Messi has done his walking schtick for years now. It hasn't been a problem until other players decided to do it too. We can afford to have Messi walking. The man plays every game he's available for. Makes sense for him to conserve his energy for his runs with the ball. But that only works with players who support that play style. Argentina definitely isn't that. And the lazy side Lucho put up against Juve and EV put out against Roma aren't that.
I don't think that's true.
Yea, he did rest more than other players off the ball, but back in the day, Messi was very intense in games. Can't even be compared imo with this version who is basically showing very little ambition and desire to get involved, while everything around him falls apart, be it with Barca (PSG, Juve, Roma etc.) or with Argentina.
No. we can't afford to have anyone walking, because that player will then spend most of the time not being involved in the game, except in isolated moments when space opens itself up, which at this level is rare. Which is what is happening for a long time already with Messi in big games. How is Messi supposed to get in possession in a good position, if he hides behind players?