Friday, March 29, 2024

Messi: Argentina wanted to honour Maradona with victory

SoccerNews in General Soccer News 4 Jun 2021

118 Views

Lionel Messi said Argentina wanted to win a “very special match” against Chile in World Cup qualifying as Diego Maradona was honoured with a statue prior to kick-off on Thursday.

Argentina and Napoli great Maradona – widely considered to be one of football’s greatest ever players – died at the age of 60 after suffering heart failure in November last year.

A World Cup winner with Argentina and two-time Serie A champion during his time at Napoli, Maradona was at the centre of a touching tribute as Messi and the La Albiceleste players gathered outside Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades to unveil a statue of the country icon before the 1-1 draw with Chile.

Messi’s 24th-minute penalty was cancelled out by Alexis Sanchez 12 minutes later in Argentina’s first match since Maradona’s death and the six-time Ballon d’Or winner reflected on the occasion.

“It was a very special match because it was the first without Diego,” Messi said after the match.

“We know what the national team meant to him, even if he wasn’t in the stadium, he was always there.

“For being the first without him and because of everything that is happening in the country and in the world. It is also a pity that there was no public.

“We wanted to give Diego the victory and represent the national team as he always did, leaving everything behind, but we have to continue.”

Messi improved his internationally tally to 72 goals thanks to his spot-kick after Argentina team-mate Lautaro Martinez was adjudged to have been fouled by Chile’s Guillermo Maripan following a VAR review.

Chile star Sanchez equalised before half-time to earn a share of the spoils, though Argentina remain undefeated through five games on the road to Qatar 2022.

Messi came close to restoring Argentina’s lead on numerous occasions, including a free-kick that struck the post inside the final 10 minutes on home soil.

The superstar captain had the second most touches in the game (87) behind team-mate Rodrigo De Paul (106), while Messi recorded the most shots (five), created the most chances (two) and disputed the most duels (17).

“It has been a long time since we got together, it is not easy to get back together with little work,” said Messi, whose Argentina are 12 games unbeaten as they gear up for the Copa America, which is scheduled to start on June 13. “We continued what we had been doing, at times we were good, we played a good game.

“We were good in pressure and recovery, they practically did not create situations If it hadn’t been for the stopped ball, they were hardly reaching us. It was a difficult game, as always with Chile.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SoccerNews

Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.

You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.

SHARE OR COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

WE RECOMMEND

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required *

Join the conversation!

or Register

Live Scores

advertisement

Betting Guide Advertisement

advertisement

Become a Writer
More More
Top