Zlatan Ibrahimović spoke about Lionel Messi after Messi’s two goals for Argentina against Austria at the World Cup.
Ibrahimović and Lionel Messi were team mates at FC Barcelona and the former football is a pundit at the World Cup for Fox Sports. Lionel Messi scored two goals for Argentina in their 2-0 win against Austria and Zlatan spoke on Fox Sports after the match. Here is what he had to say:
“It was never in doubt. I mean you have moments where he looks human by missing the penalty, then you have the moments where he doesn’t look human, that’s Messi. So far it’s his World Cup.
“And he didn’t play against Jordan yet so I don’t know where it will finish. Five goals in two games, I have zero goals in two World Cups so, I’m happy, I’m happy for him. And I hope he continues, his birthday is in a couple of days, let him enjoy because we are all enjoying by seeing him play, so, amazing, just amazing, no words.”
Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni spoke at a press conference after Argentina’s 2-0 win against Austria about the team and Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi scored twice for Argentina in their 2-0 win against Austria and the Argentina national team have qualified into the Round of 32 of the World Cup. Speaking to the media after the match, here is what Scaloni had to say:
“When it’s time to suffer, the team does it. At times, we didn’t have the ball and the merit of the team is knowing what to do in each moment.
“Austria is a tough team with height and physicality. We are very happy to have qualified.
“When we were patient and had the ball, we knew we were finding the game and we created chances.
“We had things to improve. When we were patient, we found the passes.
“We will see the results from tonight and if the situation allows, I want to give minutes to all the players that we can.
“When the opponent attacks with a lot of players, you have to defend. The reading of the game is easy, it’s clear that we can do better but we are well and we are competing.
“There are many national teams that are competing to be World champions. This World Cup is not about favorites, there are psychological and physical aspects. We will be in that fight but it will be difficult for everyone.
“We are very happy to have qualified. It seemed like it was going to be easy and it’s clear that it wasn’t.
“The World Cup is a long tournament and we have many options. We know that all the players can contribute what they have to offer.”
Scaloni also spoke about Lionel Messi:
“Even when the team was struggling, Leo stole the ball, he was committed. Being committed is for a reason and that’s what he brings. I don’t even know what else to say anymore, nothing is enough.
“When Leo gets fired up, everyone gets fired up.”
He also spoke about Lautaro Martínez; Julián Álvarez, Lisandro Martínez and Nicolás Otamendi:
“Lautaro did great work. He and Julián understand the message very well.
“We are happy that Lisandro is doing well. And it also gives us peace of mind that Otamendi is coming in like this. We are happy with them.”
Lisandro Martínez spoke to the media after Argentina’s 2-0 win against Austria about the team and Lionel Messi.
Martínez started for Argentina in their 2-0 win against Austria at the World Cup. Speaking to the media after the match, here is what he had to say:
“I think it was an excellent match. Both teams put up a fight.
“When we had to move the ball, we did it.”
About Lionel Messi:
“There are no words to talk about Leo. There’s no need to compare him because he’s alone at the top. All that’s left is to enjoy him, I feel a huge emotion to have him by my side and that he’s Argentine. We have to value him.”
“I’m very happy for the win, above all. It was crucial, tough and hard fought. It gives us peace of mind for what’s ahead.
“At this World Cup, all of the matches are evenly matched, very intense. I’m enjoying this moment and eager to celebrate it with my team mates.
“I’m happy for the win, it was very difficult. We knew it was going to be a very intense match. It was very important for us to get to six points.
“Winning was obviously part of the plan but we knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Today, nobody gives anything away, everything is played with a lot of intensity. It was hard for us to have those long possessions that we always have.
“The important thing is qualifying, winning every match is always part of our plan. This entire group lives with a lot of happiness. When we get together, we enjoy being together, competing, training, the day to day and seeing the people like this.
“We have already given the people many joys but we will try to give them more. There were moments where I was really angry about missing the penalty but I was able to make up for it.”
Lionel Messi is the all time leading goal scorer at the World Cup.
Messi scored three goals against Algeria and two goals for Argentina against Austria to make it 18 goals at a World Cup, the most for any player. The 38 year old had one goal in 2006, four goals in 2014, one goal in 2018, seven goals in 2022 and has five at this World Cup in two matches.
