Messi: Argentina must improve
Lionel Messi hailed Argentina’s winning start to the
World Cup after scoring a classic goal to see off
Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Messi’s trademark run and strike will go down as
one of the great World Cup goals, but the Argentina
captain admitted he was relieved the team had
secured a 2-1 win in the Maracana after a
disappointing first half.
Argentina had taken a lead in the third minute with
a touch of fortune, Sead Kolasinac deflecting the ball
into his own net, before Messi scored a stunning
second after a superb run to make it 2-0.
Substitute Vedad Ibisevic grabbed a late goal for
Bosnia – which could yet prove important in terms
of qualification from Group F.
Messi said: ‘It’s important that we started off on
the right foot with the three points, but we do have
things we must improve.
‘It’s not easy with all the anxiety and the nerves,
but the important thing is the result. We had a great
second half. We had the ball much more, created
several opportunities and that’s what we have to
continue to do.’
Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella only awarded his
team a mark of 6 out 10 and said his half-time
changes to provide more support to Messi had been
crucial.
Sabella said: ‘On balance I would give it a 6. We
need to improve and part of that is in my hands – it
is up to me.
‘The changes at half-time just produced this
improvement. They were playing better together and
there was more support around Messi. Once Messi
received the ball there was better follow-up and
better support.
‘I think that, whatever happens in this World Cup, he
is among the best players in the history of football.’
Messi himself acknowledged the changes from five
in defence to a 4-3-3 formation made it much easier
for him and fellow striker Sergio Aguero.
He said: ‘As strikers, we prefer that system as it
gives us more attacking opportunities and if we
don’t use that system we suffer a bit.
‘I was often on my own and so was Kun [Aguero]
and it was very difficult, so there are things to be
improved on.’
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