Lionel Messi says he will score against Mexico if fortune favours him, Barcelona teammate Marquez vows to use all his experience to stop the World Player of the Year
Lionel Messi says he will score against Mexico if fortune favours him, Barcelona teammate Marquez vows to use all his experience to stop the World Player of the Year
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As Argentina gear up to take on Mexico in the pre-quarters of the World Cup in a grudge match there are concerns about their talisman Lionel Messi going through a goal drought and hasn't scored thus far in the tournament.
The Barcelona ace however seems unperturbed by his lack of goals. "I'm not worried about itu00a0-- obviously I'd prefer them to go in, but it's not a big deal," he said.
"What's important is that we keep playing well and that the team wins. With a bit of luck, I'll score against Mexico."
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| Will he score? Lionel Messi |
Marquez counts on experience
Mexico center back and Messi's teammate in Barcelona, Rafael Marquez, has said that he will use all his knowledge of Messi's game from the Barcelona training ground to try and stop the Argentine playmaker when the two nations collide.
The 31-year-old has been a club-mate of Messi's since 2003 and has watched the remarkable rise of the player now widely recognised to be the best in the world.
"I know him pretty well," Marquez said. "It is difficult to play against him and stop him. We will try to restrict his space because it is difficult to take the ball from him.
"He has good control of the ball and can change pace at any time. We must ensure that he sees as little of the ball as possible."
Maradona's troubles
Meanwhile, Argentina coach Diego Maradona has a headache of his own as he fears a swashbuckling attacking display by the Mexicans.
"Mexico have Rafael Marquez, (Andres) Guardado, Giovanni Dos Santos, many players that worry us," said Maradona.
"It's impossible to know what team they will play. Yesterday I had some information that it will be one team then this morning other information that it would be another.
"I don't know if (Cuauhtemoc) Blanco will play, or (Guillermo) Franco, although I hope he doesn't because he's good in the air.
"I think (Javier) Hernandez will play, he moves well all across the front line," he said.
Argentina vs Mexico: Key battles
Lionel Messi vs Carlos Salcido
PSV Eindhoven left back Salcido will have to sacrifice his marauding, skillful runs up the left flank to ensure Messi is kept quiet. El Tri who are quite attacking themselves will have a good chance if they can isolate the centre of Argentine creativity, Messi, and negate his effect from the game.
Juan Sabestien Veron vs Rafael Marquez
Hugely experienced, Marquez will battle it out with the Argentine wizard, Juan Sabestian Veron, to control the game form the centre of the park. Both players will be entrusted with the responsibility of breaking-up the opponent stouts and anchor their teams forward. Both have a knack of trying their luck from distance.
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