Messi demands improvement after Brazil rout

Lionel Messi has lamented Argentina’s 3-0 loss in Brazil and demanded they get their 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualifying campaign back on track at home to Colombia on Tuesday.

“We didn’t expect this result,” rued Messi. “They were really tough opponents, but we expected a little more from ourselves. I think that, until the first goal, it was very balanced, but after the second they killed the game off. At 1-0 we were fine, it was even, but we didn’t know how to react [to that second goal].

“Now it’s a lot more complicated. We have to think about Colombia knowing that we have to improve greatly. We can’t afford to have one more match playing like we’ve been playing, because we won’t get out of this situation in this way.”

Despite losing in Belo Horizonte, Argentina remained sixth in the South American standings due to Paraguay’s shock loss at home to Peru. Furthermore, Colombia and Chile drew 0-0 – a result that suited Edgardo Bauza’s side.

“Within all negatives there’s a positive,” said Messi. “Our destiny is still in our own hands. We can’t drop more points, especially at home, where we know we have to improve a lot. But if we beat Colombia, our destiny stays in our own hands.”

The last time Argentina missed out on a World Cup was Mexico 1970.
Brazil look as good as ever, as Philippe Coutinho, Neymar, and Paulinho scored in the game’s first 60 minutes to boost Brazil well above the fray and — barring a shocking collapse — into Russia 2018.

Messi and Argentina face a five-month stay outside the qualifying places if they cannot handle their business at home to Colombia on Tuesday.

Report by FIFA.com