Home Blog Page 1107

Argentina captain Lionel MESSI: “We have to lift our heads up”

Argentina captain Lionel MESSI spoke to the media following his team’s 2-0 loss to start their Copa America.

Speaking to the media following the defeat, MESSI mentioned that they have to take away some positives going into the Paraguay game. Here’s what he had to say:

“We have to take some positives, lift our heads up and continue. It just started and there’s a lot left.

“We didn’t want it to start this way but there’s a lot of chances. It will be difficult for us to accept this defeat but when we arrive to Belo Horizante, we have to think about what is coming.

“In the first half, even though they had a lot of the ball, they didn’t generate chances. In the second half it was us but they scored a great goal.”

Rodrigo DE PAUL, Milton CASCO, more changes to Argentina team

Following the 2-0 defeat against Colombia, Argentina coach Lionel SCALONI could make changes to the starting eleven which will play against Paraguay.

A few names are being mentioned as possible changes. Per a report by TyC Sports, Rodrigo DE PAUL, Roberto PEREYRA, Milton CASCO, Matias SUAREZ and Marcos ACUÑA all have a chance of making the starting line-up.

Out of the potential changes, the two main chances could be Milton CASCO for Renzo SARAVIA and Rodrigo DE PAUL for Angel DI MARIA.

Argentina lose Copa America opener 2-0 against Colombia

Argentina lost their Copa America opener 2-0 against Colombia.

In what was a dull first half which saw Colombia play better but unable to score, the second half had Argentina creating a few chances but Colombia scoring. Angel DI MARIA was substituted off after a poor first half for Rodrigo DE PAUL.

The Udinese man was much mpre vibrant and was arguably his team’s best player in the second 45 minures. Nicolas OTAMENDI and Lionel MESSI both had chances to give Argentina the lead but both missed from close range.

The breakthrough would finally happen for Colombia. MARTINEZ finally made it 1-0 following a shot from ARMANI’s right side which went to his left. Colombia finally made it 2-0 after a low cross was sent into the area and ZAPATA was the first onto it.

Lionel SCALONI’s team play Paraguay next.

Argentina vs. Colombia, Copa America Match Thread

Argentina play against Colombia in their opening match at the Copa America.

With the press conference done and the starting eleven announced, we know it will be the veterans Lionel MESSI, Sergio AGÜERO and Angel DI MARIA leading the attack. Here’s the starting eleven:

ARMANI; SARAVIA, PEZZELLA, OTAMENDI, TAGLIAFICO; LO CELSO, Guido RODRIGUEZ, PAREDES; MESSI, AGÜERO, DI MARIA

Argentina coach Lionel SCALONI on Copa America: “We are calm”

Argentina national team coach Lionel SCALONI gave a press conference where he discussed the team, the Copa America, Lionel MESSI and more.

SCALONI confirmed the starting eleven at the press conference. He also spoke about goalkeeper Esteban ANDRADA who had to leave the team due to injury.

“In regards to Esteban ANDRADA, we are very sad as to what happened. Besides being a great guy, we had high hopes for him.”

Lionel SCALONI also talked about being with the Argentina team:

“I’m very happy to be here. I’m very anxious and I’ll try to enjoy the moment.”

Regarding the Copa America:

“In a tournament like this, there’s no easy opponent. We will take our precautions as Colombia has a lot of positives but we have to play our game. We think of having the best match possible tomorrow. We are calm and very anxious.”

About the team:

“We are a team where everyone has to work. From the first player to the last player, they all know what they have to do on the pitch. We want the people to identify with the team.

“A team is formed from the back line, it’s important in a tournament like this. We know the quality of players we have from the midfield forward.”

He also spoke about Argentina captain Lionel MESSI:

“I see Lionel (MESSI) very well, very anxious, always wanting to do what’s best for the team. He’s another one of us and I’m very happy to share a team with him.”

Become a Mundo Albiceleste Member

Support the site, win prizes, and be part of the Albiceleste family!

$2.99 / month or save 16% with $29.99 / year

  • Participate to win a different retro Argentina shirt every month!
  • Play weekly trivia to win a 2022 World Cup ball signed by Julián Álvarez, among other prizes!
  • Write opinion pieces for the site
Subscribe Now