Barcelona forward Lionel Messi believes that Argentina can do better than they showed in their World Cup Group F win over Iran.
Messi scored the only goal of the game in the final few minutes after the South Americans were almost upset by Team Melli.
The result means Argentina are through to the next round, while Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina condemns the Balkans to a group stage exit.
“I’m happy with the result, for the national team, in a complex and difficult game, where we could never find a way through the defensive wall and weren’t allowed spaces,” Marca reports Messi as saying.
“The group continues with the same enthusiasm and the same desire but we know we have much room for improvement. We will continue trying to achieve our best.
“We didn’t expect such a game, but we could never find spaces in attack against a well-armed defence that didn’t allow us to find balls in between the lines that we like and that can harm the opponent.
“Just ending the game this way and winning the game gives us peace of qualifying so we travel to Porto Alegre calmly to play Nigeria.
“It wouldn’t have been the same feeling if this match was 0-0 and things were complicated, because we’d have to win the third match against Nigeria, which is a tough opponent. That’s why I celebrated my goal with such joy.
“Games should be played until the last minute. I think also the state of the pitch in the dry heat prevented us moving the ball fast and that’s key against an opponent that waits for you in defence.
“It was complicated but fortunately we were able to turn it round at the last minute.
“It was an emotional end and we have a very nice relationship with the fans who were distressed at how the game progressed.”
Messi also praised the performance of goalkeeper Sergio Romero, who made a number of saves to keep the game goalless.
“His performance was spectacular and is as much as joy for him as for us and answers the questions posed from outside,” Messi said. “His performance clearly answers those questions.”
