Last Argentina match with Iran was full of surprises; perhaps, it was the first game where Argentina faced first startled resistance when Iran did not let them rule the field for almost full ninety minuets. It was the last minute of the game that brought a smile over Alejandro Sabella face when his ace Lionel Messi struck a brilliant shot to lead the score. This triumph not only ensured their supremacy in the Group F, but also an entry to the knockout stage. If we look at the performance of Argentineans in the last fourteen world cup matches, they lost just one and impressively their 22 goal difference is also incredible. As far Messi is considered, he has now scored forty goals for his national side, however as far world cup is concerned, he could only score one in last eight world cup games which is strange looking at the hike of supremacy he enjoyed in the last couple of years. Manager Sabella seems to be extremely impressed with 26-year-old forward who has been lethal for every opponent in the La Liga. Praising his only scorer, 59-year-old former midfielder said, “We have a genius who is called Messi and fortunately he is Argentine. Iran made life hard for us but with Messi, everything is possible.”
Actually, Messi’s comeback in form is also a good news for fans coz he has been passing through injury off late that did not allow him to impart in full domestic Spanish season, in fact, his indirect spat with the Barcelona bosses also led his moral down a bit. But now, he looks all set to regain the lost pride in the world of football and last performance could just be the first of many to come by. Talking about the mistakes and areas they need to improve, former Sheffield United and Leeds center back added, “There are many things we have to think about and improve. In the first half, Iran had four or five clear chances to score.
“All players who played today have contributed to this victory but of course we have a genius who is called Messi. Not even two goalkeepers could have stopped that Lionel shot.”
Actually, the match brought some glory for Iran coz they were nowhere before the game but now they can end their Brazilian campaign with a puffed chest by showing a tough resistance to the world class attacking line of Argentina. Iran coach Carlos Queiroz, too, added, “At the end, two personalities in the game made the difference. The number one was the referee. The second was Lionel Messi. I hope they don’t punish me, but I’m telling the truth: it was a penalty.
“It should have been a penalty and red card. There’s no excuse. There’s nothing that can explain this Serbian referee not give the penalty. How can this guy sleep tonight, or for the rest of his life? With all respect, I would like to have the opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation with him. Why did he do that to us?”