An explosive half-century by Andre Russell paved the way for victory in a tense high-scoring game at the iconic venue
Lionel Messi believes Diego Maradona would be "super happy" after he led Argentina into the World Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday, thanks to a 2-0 win over Poland.
Messi became his country's most capped player at the tournament with a 22nd appearance surpassing his legendary compatriot, who died just over two years ago.
"I learned it recently, I didn't know it. It's a pleasure to be able to continue to achieve these kinds of records. I think Diego would be super happy for me, because he always showed me a lot of affection, he was always happy when things went well for me," said Messi.
Despite missing a penalty — his 39th career failure from the spot — the Argentina captain said he was "happy" with this "big match".
ALSO READ:
"We achieved our first objective, which was to get out of the group after starting the way we did [a shock 2-1 loss against Saudi Arabia]," said Messi.
"I was really frustrated to have missed the penalty, because I knew that a goal could change the whole match, that it makes you play in a different way. But I think that from the penalty I missed, the team came out stronger."
Messi — who still needs a World Cup winner's medal to cement his legacy as one of the sport's greatest players — believes Argentina are moving up through the gears at precisely the right time.
"After the first goal, everything went our way. We started doing again what we had been trying to do since the start of the World Cup, but which we hadn't been able to achieve for various reasons.
"Having been able to do it today, it gives us confidence for the future."
Next up for Argentina is the first of the last-16 clashes, against Australia on Saturday.
"We know that now everything will be very difficult. That whoever the opponent, it will be complicated. We have seen recently, at our own expense, that any opponent can play a good game and win."
An explosive half-century by Andre Russell paved the way for victory in a tense high-scoring game at the iconic venue
With MS Dhoni set to play his last IPL tournament, BCCI have announced MA Chidambaram Stadium as a tentative venue
Fukumoto predicts another ‘big’ night for Japanese-trained horses at Saturday’s $30.5 million Dubai World Cup meeting
Curran, Livingstone lead the Kings to well-earned four-wicket win in Mullanpur
The Indian superstar has been a regular attendee to the team's matches at Kolkata since 2008
The Ferrari star was quickest in the first two parts of qualifying but Verstappen bounced back in the top 10 shootout to take pole
The wicketkeeoer-batsman says that his team will try to put pressure on the opposition throughout a match
The attacking all-rounder has been growing in confidence since his ground-breaking season during CSK's title triumph in IPL 2023