Argentina’s captain blames opening-round loss to Saudi Arabia on too much pressure and poor form
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By Rasheed Adewuyi
Argentina captain Lionel Messi says the opening group C match defeat against Saudi Arabia motivated his team to beat Mexico this afternoon.
Argentina defeated Mexico 2–0 to boost their chances of qualifying t for the knockout stage.
In a post-match interview with Fox Sports, Messi said Argentina did what was expected of them today after their dismal outing against Saudi Arabia in the opening game.
” The first game was difficult for us because there was too much pressure on the team. We are still trying to blend as a team due to the new young players in our midst. Though, that is not an excuse to lose against Saudi Arabia. We lost because we didn’t play well.” he said.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner also debunked news making the rounds that the ankle injury he sustained before the world cup would prevent him from representing his country in Qatar.
” I don’t know why people keep talking about my injury. I only twisted my ankle. It is not a serious injury. I am fine now and ready to play my part for Argentina in this world cup, “he adds.
Argentina would have been out of the world cup if they had lost to Mexico.
Messi reached another milestone after scoring in his sixth appearance. He has now scored eight goals equalling Diego Maradona’s record and two short of Gabriel Batistuta with ten world cup goals.
Poland is leading group C with 4 points from 2 matches, Argentina and Saudi Arabia are second with 3 points from the same number of games, while fourth-placed Mexico has one point.
Poland will trade tackles with Argentina, while Saudi Arabia will play against Mexico in the last group matches next Wednesday.
