- Lionel Messi tells Argentina teammates to focus on their next match after losing 2-0 to Colombia
- Roger Martinez and Duvan Zapata scored a goal each to ensure La Albiceleste's chances of winning the title are reduced
- Argentina face off with Paraguay in their next outing in four days time
Barcelona star Lionel Messi has urged his Argentina teammates to push their Copa America opening game defeat behind them.
La Albiceleste suffered a 2-0 defeat to Colombia with Roger Martinez and Duvan Zapata coming on to score a goal each at the Arena Fonte Nova on Sunday morning.
However, in spite of the defeat, the 31-year-old believes his side can still turn the table around as they face Paraguay and Qatar in their remaining two matches at the group stages.
READ ALSO: Argentina vs Colombia: Fans troll Lionel Messi after 2-0 defeat in Copa America opener
According to Goal, Messi said after the match that there were positives to take out of the match and they will build on it.
"There are positives to come out of this, we are ready to accept the challenge that we have,” Messi said after the game.
“There is no time to complain, we have to look ahead, we have to raise our heads and continue, there’s still a lot of the tournament left.
“They kept the ball well but didn’t create clear opportunities, but when we took a step forwards in the second half they scored a goal. When we were playing at our best, they scored a great goal and it cost us.”
The Barcelona star continued: “We’ll take it as a lesson for the upcoming games.
"We continue to depend on ourselves. It’s not easy to start with a loss, but if we beat Paraguay, we go back to a comfortable situation.”
The Albiceleste’s game against Paraguay is on June 20, and they finish their Group B campaign with a match against Copa America invitees Qatar.
Messi was at the final of the last two editions but were defeated by Chile on penalties on both occasions.
PAY ATTENTION: Install Pitch Football App for FREE to get the latest football News & Scores
Meanwhile, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni made a remard about the pitch saying: “I found the state of the pitch regrettable, it was the first match there, I don’t want to imagine what will happen from here onwards. It leaves a lot to be desired for these players to play there.”
The stadium is scheduled to host four more games in the tournament, including a quarter-final that may feature Argentina if they go through as the best third-place team from Group A or B.
Legit.ng earlier reported that Lionel Messi failed to inspire Argentina against Colombia in their opening game of the ongoing Copa America in Brazil.
Two second half goals from substitutes Duvan Zapata and Roger Martinez ensured La Albiceleste got their campaign off to a losing start.
They will now face Paraguay on Thursday, June 20 as they seek redemption at the ongoing championship.
NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better.
Super Eagles defender Jamilu Collins reveals what is as big as winning the World Cup | Legit TV
Source: Legit
