JiLiHOT Daily, October 18th, international reports. This morning, Argentina faced off against Peru in the South American World Cup qualifiers, and the national team’s star striker, Lionel Messi, returned to the squad after a month’s absence. In the first half, Messi achieved a remarkable brace, showing no signs of aging. After the match, Messi was interviewed, and he compared the Argentine national team to the Spanish La Liga giants, Barcelona. When discussing the team’s current state, he expressed that since winning the Copa America and the World Cup, the team has become more confident, relaxed, and able to enjoy the game, which, in Messi’s eyes, is the best version of football.
JiLiHOT Daily：Messi Breaks Peru’s Defense After 16 Years, Compares Argentina to Barcelona
The Argentina national team played against the strong South American side, Peru, today. In their previous eight encounters, Argentina had failed to score a goal against Peru. Messi, with his brace in this World Cup qualifier, broke Peru’s defense after 16 years. He now has 31 goals in World Cup qualifiers, surpassing his close friend Suarez, who has 29 goals, and Messi has scored a total of 106 goals for Argentina. In his career, he has reached 821 goals, firmly holding the title of the world’s top goal scorer. Argentina, as a team, may also become one of the greatest in history.
After the match, Messi compared the level of the national team to his former club, Barcelona, during an interview: “I can compare Argentina to Barcelona; our level is very close. Barcelona is considered one of the best teams in history, but after winning the Copa America and the World Cup, Argentina is also a high-level team. The team has a unique style, and we are proud of it.” Messi, at the age of 35, finally fulfilled his dream of winning the World Cup. Not only Messi but all the Argentina players seem to have shed their burdens after the World Cup. They have become more confident and relaxed, as Messi put it, “We always strive to control the ball and enjoy playing football.”
According to JiLiHOT Daily reports, Messi has always focused on improving the team’s competitiveness rather than pursuing personal glory on the football field. Teams with Messi rarely have reports of locker room controversies, with Paris Saint-Germain being an exception. Messi emphasized the importance of a positive team atmosphere during the interview, stating that it makes team affairs much easier to handle. There are many young stars in the Argentina team who are learning from Messi, especially Alvarez, Enzo, and Gonzalez. They will be the future pillars of Argentina, and Messi is very proud of them because these young players continue to strive for success even after achieving it. The future of the Albiceleste is promising.
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