Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Soccernet.ng
  • Home
  • Leagues
    • EPL
    • NPFL
    • La Liga
    • Seria A
    • Ligue 1
  • Live Scores
  • App
  • Soccernet TV
  • Lifestyle
No Result
View All Result
Soccernet.ng
  • Home
  • Leagues
    • EPL
    • NPFL
    • La Liga
    • Seria A
    • Ligue 1
  • Live Scores
  • App
  • Soccernet TV
  • Lifestyle
No Result
View All Result
Soccernet.ng
No Result
View All Result

Argentina seek Messi magic against Iceland

Augustine by Augustine
5 years ago
in News
0
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Lionel Messi´s Argentina aims to put a shambolic World Cup build-up behind them and make a statement in their opening match against tournament debutants Iceland on Saturday (today).

The two-time champions arrived in Russia dogged by poor form, injuries and controversy.

But Messi is a man on a mission as he chases his first World Cup winner´s medal and will not tolerate complacency against the minnows at Moscow´s Spartak stadium. “Iceland showed they could compete with anyone at the last Euros,” he said, referring to their giant-killing run at the 2016 European Championship in France.

Messi was devastated by Argentina´s loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final, with the agony compounded by back-to-back Copa America defeats to Chile in 2015 and 2016.

 Despite his achievements with Barcelona, the five-time world player of the year is yet to win a major international tournament and time is running out as his 31st birthday looms.

He briefly retired from international football after the 2016 Copa America and has hinted he will do so permanently if the campaign in Russia ends in failure.

The Group D clash pits an Argentine side that critics say is too focused on superstar Messi against a band of grafters who pride themselves on teamwork.

On paper, the South Americans should have little trouble disposing of Iceland, an island nation of 330,000 that is the smallest country to ever reach the finals.

But the Icelanders revel in their underdog status and showed at Euro 2016 they will not be cowed on the big stage.

Tags: NewsNigeriaWorld Cup
Share6Tweet4

Augustine

Augustine

Augustine is a Writer at Soccernet.ng. He is a graduate of Mass Communication with 10 years experience working with reputable publications including Complete Sports. [email protected]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Trending Articles

  • Napoli’s audacious plan: Victor Osimhen offered record-breaking salary to snub Chelsea, others

    Napoli’s audacious plan: Victor Osimhen offered record-breaking salary to snub Chelsea, others

    54 shares
    Share 22 Tweet 14
  • “We were embarrassed”- Lee Seung-won praises Nigeria’s power and speed at U-20 World Cup

    27 shares
    Share 11 Tweet 7
  • Watch: Former Super Eagles star Christian Obodo reunites with Juventus boss Allegri

    26 shares
    Share 10 Tweet 7
  • Premier League-based Super Eagles target linked with French top-flight sides

    20 shares
    Share 8 Tweet 5
  • Benzema’s farewell, Osimhen’s arrival: Will the Napoli star signal a bold transition for Real Madrid?

    18 shares
    Share 7 Tweet 5

Latest

Premier League-based Super Eagles target linked with French top-flight sides

“Bassey is one of the toughest defenders” – Eredivisie’s third-highest goalscorer

Cyriel Dessers: Cremonese reveal their stand as Rangers continue pursuit of Nigerian striker

Napoli’s audacious plan: Victor Osimhen offered record-breaking salary to snub Chelsea, others

Samuel Chukwueze shines bright: Crowned Best African Player in La Liga

Soccernet.ng

Copyright © 2023 Soccernet Media Limited.

Navigate Site

  • About us
  • Advertise
  • Privacy policy
  • Contact us
  • App

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Leagues
    • EPL
    • NPFL
    • La Liga
    • Seria A
    • Ligue 1
  • Live Scores
  • App
  • Soccernet TV
  • Lifestyle

Copyright © 2023 Soccernet Media Limited.