By Daily Sports on June 30, 2019

Argentina captain Lionel Messi admitted he is struggling at the Copa America as he and La Albiceleste look ahead to a marquee semifinal clash against tournament hosts Brazil.

“It is not my best Copa America, I am not having the one I had hoped,” the Barcelona star said after Argentina's 2-0 quarterfinal win over Venezuela. “The important thing is that we won.”

Striker Lautaro Martinez scored for the second game running to put Argentina in front in the 10th minute with a clever back-heeled finish, while substitute Giovani Lo Celso scored Argentina’s badly-needed second goal in the 74th minute on a loose ball that squirmed through the hands of Venezuela goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez.

Messi has only scored once at the tournament in which Argentina have struggled offensively. They scraped into the last eight with a nervy 2-0 win over Qatar in their final group-stage game after losing to Colombia and drawing with Paraguay.

The six-time Pichichi Trophy winner added that he knew that Venezuela “were going to shut it down and look for the counter.”

“We controlled the game from the beginning, the first goal came and from there we became ourselves,” the man from Rosario said. “In the second half, we knew they were going to move forward and leave spaces. We were firm throughout the game, it was a complete game.”

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni did not want to be drawn on Messi’s poor display in the post-game news conference but said his presence alone is good for the team.

“Messi’s contribution on the pitch is essential, if you could see what he gives us in the dressing room you’d think differently. I assure you it’s great to have him here,” Scaloni said. (ESPN)

•Photo shows Lionel Messi

Source Daily Sports

Posted June 30, 2019

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