Argentina football team captain Lionel Messi has admitted that the four days between losing to Saudi Arabia and winning against Mexico in 2022 Qatar World Cup were difficult for him and his teammates.
“It was uncomfortable given the defeat in the opening match, which we didn’t expect,” Buenos Aires Times quoted Messi. “The days were very long, that’s how it felt. We were eager to have the chance to turn this around. We knew it was a critical game. If we didn’t win we were out and if we won, we would have another chance. Luckily we could win and that was a weight off our shoulders and joy. We have peace of mind, it’s all down to us again.”
Read more: Messi, Argentina under pressure for Mexico game at World Cup
In Saturday’s World Cup match, Argentina appeared disorganised and short in ideas in the first half, but adjustments made by Coach Lionel Scaloni allowed them to put Mexico under more pressure and ultimately break the tie on 64 minutes, thanks to Messi.
“We knew that if we lost we would be out, they gave us a difficult game but having the No.10 [Messi], it’s always easier,” said goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. “We never doubted ourselves, but these days were hard for us. But today we showed that we can be more.”
Read more: FIFA World Cup 2022: Messi seeks history with Argentina
Lionel Messi's Argentina stunned everyone when they lost against Saudi Arabia in their opening fixture of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. The Albiceleste made a strong comeback in their second match against Mexico, beating the North American side 2-0.