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Lionel Messi insists he is not worried by a lack of goals on the personal front, after inspiring Argentina to an emphatic 6-1 win over Paraguay in the Copa America semi-final. The La Albiceleste captain was simply thrilled with the team’s display, stressing the performance was impeccable.
According to the Copa America official website, Messi, speaking to reporters after the match, said, “I am not worried that I did not score any goals. We played a complete game.”
Lionel Messi found the back of the net on 58 occasions in just 57 matches for Barcelona in the 2014/15 season. Replicating that scoring form when it comes to the national team however has always been an issue.
His last goal from open play in a competitive game for Argentina came during the group stages of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he scored a brace against Nigeria. His solitary goal in the 2015 Copa America was a penalty in the group encounter against Paraguay.
That amounts to more than a year, but the four-time Ballon d’Or winner is least troubled about it, instead focussing on the team results.
“We did what we were doing in the previous matches. We follow the same idea. We are very excited that we can be champions. Winning the Copa would round off something spectacular. I really want to win something with the national team,” Messi further added while speaking to the press, as reported by the official Copa America website.
Reports ahead of the match were pointing to how Lionel Messi was walking a defensive tightrope with a booking away from suspension, but the Barcelona ace had other ideas.
He deservedly collected the Man of the Match award after starring in a playmaker role, providing three assists, the first player to do so in a Copa America semi-final. Messi was involved in two other goals as well as Argentina ran out comfortable winners to set up a clash with hosts Chile in the final at Estadio Nacional on July 4.
Messi has manager Gerardo Martino’s full backing
Argentina manager Gerardo Martino was supportive of his star player in his post match reactions, insisting Messi’s value to the team is what matters.
“Leo is one of a kind. He knows how to do what is necessary based on the game and what the game needs. He doesn’t need to score to be happy. He’s not concerned by his lack of goals,” said Martino to the press, according to the official Copa America website.
