There were too many debates about Messi's figure in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
One was about his essence, about the test that had to determine what he was made of. But there were also other contexts revolving around that issue: the main one was about his position.
A year was missing for Guardiola to revolutionize Barcelona again. No one doubted Messi's role on the field. In that 2009-10 season, and in all the previous ones of his career, the Flea had played on the right side, almost always causing the same movements. From outside to inside, with diagonals that usually ended in passes or shots on goal. Messi-Ibrahimovic-Pedro was the forward line of a team that did not perform well in the Champions League but managed to win the Club World Cup, the Spanish and European Super Cups, and LaLiga. Only one season later would the idea (or player's evolution) of placing the Flea much more centered, with more possibilities of contact, with many more roles emerge.
But in the Argentine National Team, nothing was very clear. Messi had already played in various positions. As an attacking midfielder. On the right side. Until Maradona, more criticized for a supposed lack of strategic capacity, found him a place - even if it was for fractions, sequences, or minutes of games. In the match against South Korea, Argentina's second match in the 2010 World Cup, it became clear: the number 10, very angry and frustrated for not being able to score goals, had at least found his space.
"I never believed in a static Messi," Maradona said in an interview with La Nación. "I want him to feel close to the ball. I went to tell him that no one told me where to play. So I didn't have to tell Messi where to play, he had to make the decision to play where he wants to play." And he continued, "He was already grown up and man enough to have the balls to say 'this ball is mine, guys, and the one who knows how to interpret it better than anyone is me.' I did it in my time, now it's his turn."
If you look at Messi's heat map in that game, which ended with Argentina winning 4-1, with three goals from Higuaín and one own goal from Chu-Young, you can see how the number 10's position covers almost the entire offensive territory. That's because the Flea moved freely, without rigidity in his position, simply finding the places where he felt best. In fact, he had a great number of touches.
Back, a line of three midfielders (Maxi Rodríguez-Mascherano-Di María) providing defensive support but especially options for passing.
Up front, a number 9 (Higuaín) holding between the center-backs and an ideal partner for association, distraction, and game generation: Carlos Tevez.
Messi, who couldn't score a goal, had one of the best performances in terms of imbalance. He had six shots on goal, made 55 passes, and had an 88.7% passing accuracy.
Free and happy. Maradona achieved with his number 10 what other coaches had not been able to. Giving Messi the ball, but also a worthy support. A position where all the balls belonged to Messi. No other coach could understand that situation better than him.