ARGENTINA CAPTAIN LIONEL Messi took aim at the state of the pitches at the 2019 Copa America after helping his team through to a semi-final clash with Brazil.
Goals from Lautaro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso saw the Albiceleste soar past Venezuela in a 2-0 victory on Friday in Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium.
Messi, however, once more failed to reproduce his best form, with a penalty against Paraguay his only goal in four matches so far in the tournament.
Leo recognises that he has been far from his strongest; although according to the Barcelona star the Copa’s groundsmen are also at fault.
“I am not having my best Copa America,” he told reporters at the final whistle in Rio.
“In truth, the pitches are shameful. It is hard to control the ball and carry it.
“The ball looked like a rabbit, it goes all over the place with this pitch. All we can do is adapt.
“The pitches are awful. That doesn’t help keep possession, you need a second longer, it bounces poorly, you cannot lead.
“But we played a complete game and we were able to win.”
Martinez, who with two goals is Argentina’s top scorer to date in the Copa, added that the Albiceleste will start as underdogs against Brazil – but he is relishing the challenge.
“We have our own players,” he pointed out.
We know it will be difficult because they are the home side and they will be in front of their fans.
“We are showing that we give our all in every game. Luckily things are going well.”
Argentina meet Brazil in Belo Horizonte’s Estadio Mineirao on Tuesday, their first meeting in a major finals since the 2007 Copa America final.
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Cos we got Salah… Oh mane mane!!
@Ciarán: For now you have Salah.
The only debate is which big club he will go to in the summer, like every other player that shows some ability at Liverpool.
It’s ok though, iv made a song for his replacement:
We’ve got Boufal, MAYBE Mane, no one wants Firmino.
@Eoin Finnega: jaysus that’s a shite song.
@Eoin Finnega: I dont care if he goes or not Im enjoying the moment, Try it!! My support is not built around idolising footballers.
Two games in a row now Karius has made great saves to keep LFC ahead. Those of us who had seen something in him to recommend are feeling pretty good about now… Let’s hope he keeps it up, because he’s slowly winning the remaining doubters over.
@James Doyle: I imagine Klopp has told him to put in the performances til the end of the season to make him not have to sign another keeper. Literally playing for his anfield career
@Declan Snow: He told him he was number one and he wanted him to prove he made the right choice.
@Declan Snow: think myself playing behind VvD has made all the difference. From his debut, Van Dijk has been encouraging Karius to make the area his own. For a young goalie, that must make a huge difference, having a centre half who talks to you and trusts you to take care of things behind him. He’s always had talent, but he just looks more at home now.
@James Doyle: Ye he certainly looks more confident. When we signed him he was apparently the 2nd best keeper in Germany. Having a big talker infront of him has to help. He just needs to come off his line a bit quicker and be more decisive around that and he’ll be there or there abouts a top keeper.
@James Doyle: high opinion of yourself there James if you think it‘s you playing behind VvD that‘s the difference. I‘ve never even noticed you on the pitch.
@PJ Connolly: hur hur. But as the sort of guy who delights in pointing out similar errors in others, I have to give you kudos. Smart assery is always welcome.
Exciting times at Liverpool would love see klopp and Liverpool win the league next season. Still Have great chance in champions league
Salah for top goalscorer
@Jordo: Kane will nick it luckily
It’s such a strange feeling as a Liverpool fan to see our keeper make a save like that (Karius has quietly been excellent for weeks now). We’ve been so used to having a poor standard of keeper for a long time now. Van Dijk is an incredible addition to the squad and I won’t hear otherwise, and with Karius stepping up, Liverpool have really really steadied the ship at the back. A few more midfield additions and we are so, so close.
@Laura Walsh: what about the ox, he’s coming into his own in a big way too the last few games. He has a fair few assists now too!
@Hardly Normal: absolutely love Ox. Just one of those lads that you really want to do well cause he seems so sound. So happy he’s playing well! Say he’s delighted he left the sinking ship.
Good win.great save by Karius in 1st half.onwards and upwards.Salah is a legend.Goes to show how well liverpool are playing when theres a slight sense of dissapointment when they only win by 2.
Salah top scorer shhhhh. This team is on route to becoming one of Liverpools greatest. Y.N.W.A.
@England’s Envy: huge similarities between your posts and the Anto Whelan pretend Dub troll.
Class again top 4 in the bag now finish 2nd and get a run in Europe