Lionel Messi speaks on Argentina’s World Cup qualifying win vs. Brazil

By
Roy Nemer
-
4

Lionel Messi spoke about Argentina’s World Cup qualifying win vs. Brazil.

Messi was not fully fit for Argentina against Brazil in their 1-0 win in the World Cup qualifiers. Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni substituted him out for Ángel Di María but Messi did speak to the media after the match. Here is what he had to say:

“This group continues to make history. Although today was not the most important, it was very nice. We needed this win after the loss against Uruguay. We knew it was going to be a tough match, similar to the Copa America final. They pressed a lot, they pressured us high and it was difficult for us to have possession for a long time. These matches are defined by details.”

The best player in the world also spoke about the Brazilian police attacking the Argentina fans before the match:

“We saw how they were hitting them, just like in Copa Libertadores. Again repressing the people.

“They are more focused on that than on playing the game. We are a family. We decided to play to make situation more calm.”

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4 Comments

  1. Messi was clearly injured since early part of the game. He barely able to accelerate. Enzo and Mac has been off in recent matches but Gio played well to compensate it . RDP run like mad as usual but his first touch and passing has been below par in last few matches. He needs to focus on maintaining his ability instead of getting angry at every opportunity.

    Cuti , Otamendi and Dibu were solid. Julian and Lautaro has been outscored by Otamendi.

    Nevertheless, finally we broke Brazil perfect home qualifier record! off course it has to be Argentina! 2 victories at Maracana in space of 2 years, both competitive games! cant complain much.

    • Enzo and Mac were only bad against Uruguay. Which other matches do you remember them being off???

      Enzo did well in passing, had some good tackles and tactical fouls, nothing spectacular, but the team was playing conservative.

      MacAllister was ok in first half and very good in second with interceptions, outlets, and getting out of tight spaces as he does so well.

      Agree with the rest.

      Loved seeing RDP racing down the field at 93 minute closing their defender and GK at the end forcing the bad pass.

      • Their constant fouls never let our midfield get into rhythm and they failed to provide any service to our forwards. Our midfield was very average today, yes we were fouled but failing to provide any service to our forwards in 2 back 2 back matches means our midfielders are out of form and unable to adapt to difficult conditions.

  2. There is a video of Emi trying to pick a fight with the Brazilian police. He had to be pulled back by his teammates. No wonder the fans love him so much!!!
    Incredible game :
    1) for the poetic justice of our players celebrating at same stand where our fans got hit by Brazilian riot police
    2) witnessing Messi being subbed in NT jersey… i am unable to remember this happening earlier.
    3) breaking Brazilian home record in WCQ
    4) Double win in Maracana
    5) Otamendi again showing why Scaloni trusts him
    The game was sub par & so scrappy. Emi saved us & Brazil clearly was better. But it was like the 90WC pre quarter where we just made it count when we got a chance.

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