FIFA World Cup
The reigning champions will be massive favourites to win and win big when they play the tournament debutants on Friday in Miami.
Argentina captain Messi came on as a substitute and scored a free-kick as they beat already eliminated Jordan 3-1 in their Group J tie on Saturday in Texas. Lionel Scaloni's side finished the first stage with maximum points and looking formidable, albeit in one of the weaker groups also featuring Algeria and Austria.
Argentina captain Messi came on as a substitute and scored a free-kick as they beat already eliminated Jordan 3-1 in their Group J tie on Saturday in Texas. Lionel Scaloni's side finished the first stage with maximum points and looking formidable, albeit in one of the weaker groups also featuring Algeria and Austria.
Striker Lautaro Martinez, who got the second against debutants Jordan from the spot, said: "We are feeling good, now we have to rest, recharge our batteries to think about what is coming, which is going to be difficult.
"Today we faced an important team like Jordan, we had to do our job and we did it and that's why we leave happy and very excited for what's to come."
"Today we faced an important team like Jordan, we had to do our job and we did it and that's why we leave happy and very excited for what's to come."
Fellow first-half goal scorer Giovani Lo Celso said it had been almost the perfect group stage.
"It's a pity about the goal we conceded today, we would've liked to end with a clean sheet," he said. "Still, I think it was a very good group stage. Now the most important part begins.
"From now on, it's about turning the page and thinking about Cabo Verde, who will be a very tough opponent."
Cabo Verde, ranked 67 in the world, squeezed into the next stage with three draws, one of them a goalless stalemate with Spain.
Source: AFP
"It's a pity about the goal we conceded today, we would've liked to end with a clean sheet," he said. "Still, I think it was a very good group stage. Now the most important part begins.
"From now on, it's about turning the page and thinking about Cabo Verde, who will be a very tough opponent."
Cabo Verde, ranked 67 in the world, squeezed into the next stage with three draws, one of them a goalless stalemate with Spain.
Source: AFP
