Lionel Messi takes responsibility for Argentina's draw against Iceland

Sport360 staff 11:32 17/06/2018
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  • Messi and Argentina endured another disappointing World Cup.

    Lionel Messi has taken full responsibility for Argentina’s draw against Iceland in their first Group D stage game of World Cup 2018.

    After Sergio Aguero had put Jorge Sampaoli’s men ahead and Alfred Finnbogason equalised for the underdogs, the Barcelona superstar had the chance of putting his team back into the lead in the 64th minute.

    However, Messi missed from the penalty spot as Hannes Halldorsson saved to keep the game at 1-1.

    “It hurts me to have missed the penalty, because it was the decisive advantage,” Messi told reporters post-match.

    “I feel responsible for not having been able to take the three points. I have no doubt that a goal from the penalty kick would have changed everything.”

    Argentina’s next two games in the competition will be against Croatia and Nigeria and Messi believes there is a lot to look forward to.

    “We have not lost our hopes despite the draw, we still have the same desire,” he said. “I think we deserved the victory. We worked hard trying to find spaces in the Icelandic defense, but we couldn’t do it.

    “This result doesn’t have to weigh on us looking forward. We have a few days to rest and to prepare the next match.”

    Albiceleste will now face group leaders Croatia on June 21, who managed to secure a 2-0 win against Nigeria on Saturday.

    “We didn’t plan to start with a draw in the first game, but no team will make it easy for you to win,” Messi said.

    “This World Cup is going to be very even, all the matches are very close.”

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