Argentina booked their place in the semi-finals of the Copa America with a 4-1 win against Venezuela.
Gonzalo HIGUAIN got off the board at this Copa with two goals, Lionel MESSI providing one goal and two assists while substitute Erik LAMELA came on and added his name to the score sheet.
The line-up for Argentina has been announced. Lionel MESSI starts alongside Gonzalo HIGUAIN and Nicolas GAITAN.
Here’s the line-up: ROMERO; ROJO, OTAMENDI, FUNES MORI, MERCADO; FERNANDEZ, MASCHERANO, BANEGA; GAITAN, HIGUAIN and MESSI.
Only Angel DI MARIA and Javier PASTORE are ruled out for Argentina’s Quarter Final match on Saturday. The rumored line-up is that Tata will play a 4-2-3-1 with Lionel MESSI starting.
The following is Argentina’s rumored line-up:
ROMERO; MERCADO, OTAMENDI, FUNES MORI, ROJO; FERNANDEZ, MASCHERANO; GAITAN, MESSI, BANEGA; HIGUAIN
Tata MARTINO has confirmed that Lionel MESSI will start for Argentina on Saturday. Here are parts from his press conference:
“This group of players are used to decisive matches. The 7 at the World Cup and the 6 of the Copa America.”
“Lionel MESSI will start. I can’t say if AGUERO’s right about him starting on the bench. Both he and Gonzalo are incredible forwards.”
“We’re happy with BIGLIA’s recovery just like LAVEZZI and Angel (DI MARIA). I don’t know if he’ll start or not.”
Sergio AGUERO spoke about playing alongside Gonzalo HIGUAIN, Lionel MESSI, the team and more. Here’s what he had to say:
On HIGUAIN:
“When we played together in the ‘SABELLA era’, we enjoyed it a lot. Now, we have to respect this coach and give our best when called upon.”
On the match against Venezuela:
“I don’t think I’m starting but I don’t know what the line-up will be like. Since the start of the Copa I’ve been on the bench and I think it’ll continue that way. I’ll have to be ready when needed”.
On MESSI:
“Leo can make the difference at any moment. On the pitch, Leo is free, he can move anywhere because for us it’s not good if he stays in one place.”
