Lionel Messi stated Argentina’s shock loss to Saudi Arabia was a “very heavy blow” however vowed the South American champions would bounce again from the defeat. “It is a very heavy blow, a defeat that hurts, however we should proceed to have faith in ourselves,” Messi stated after Argentina crashed to a shocking 2-1 loss in Group C. “This group shouldn’t be going to surrender. We’ll attempt to beat Mexico,” he added.
Messi gave Argentina a Tenth-minute lead from the penalty spot on Tuesday on the Lusail stadium however second-half targets from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari helped the Saudis pull off one of many biggest shocks in World Cup historical past.
It may have been so completely different however for 3 tight offside calls within the first half that went towards Argentina, denying them three potential targets.
Within the second half, coach Lionel Scaloni’s males failed to use the Saudis’ excessive line of defense in the best way they’d managed earlier than the break.
“We all know that Saudi Arabia is a staff with good gamers, who transfer the ball round effectively and play a excessive line,” stated Messi.
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“We labored on that however we rushed it a bit. There aren’t any excuses, we will be extra united than ever earlier than.
“This group is robust and has proven it earlier than. We had not been on this state of affairs for a very long time. Now we should present that this can be a true group.”
The Albiceleste have two Group C video games remaining — towards Mexico on Saturday after which Poland the next Wednesday — to attempt to salvage their hopes of claiming a 3rd world title.
Enjoying in his fifth and possibly remaining World Cup, Messi has the burden of a whole nation’s expectations on his shoulders.
One of many biggest gamers of all time, this can be his final likelihood to raise soccer’s biggest prize, which his predecessor as Argentina’s idol Diego Maradona did in 1986.
“We’ve to return to the fundamentals of who we’re. We’ve to consider what’s coming subsequent,” stated the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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