‘I am simply going to get pleasure from this second’

Lionel Messi had simply damaged the best particular person document in World Cup historical past. He was exhausted; he admitted he might barely assume straight, however that didn’t cease him from reflecting on a historic night time for Argentina.

“I’m having fun with this second and seeing how far we are able to go collectively,” Messi mentioned after the 2-0 win over Austria sealed their place within the final 16.

“As we speak I had the penalty, however possibly I wouldn’t have scored the others if that had gone in.”

Solely Messi might flip a missed penalty right into a philosophical footnote. His ninth-minute spot-kick was woefully broad, and it seemed for lengthy durations as if it would show expensive towards a disciplined Austria facet that gave the defending champions significantly extra hassle than the scoreline suggests.

When requested to determine his favorite amongst his 18 World Cup objectives, a tally that now stands alone in historical past, Messi was characteristically uninterested within the query.

“I don’t know, to be sincere, I can’t bear in mind proper now,” he mentioned with a smile. “I’m drained, I’m working low on power and I’m discovering it arduous to assume. I’m simply going to get pleasure from this second and I’m wanting ahead to celebrating with my team-mates.”

The captain was extra expansive on the importance of the end result itself. “I’m actually joyful concerning the win, particularly because it’s such an important victory, hard-fought and well-earned, however one that offers us peace of thoughts for what lies forward,” he mentioned.

“That is the World Cup. It was a really evenly matched, very intense match, and we’re joyful to have picked up six factors and to have already certified.”

Julian Alvarez, who performed a key position within the second purpose earlier than Messi bundled house the rebound, saved his evaluation easy. “There isn’t a lot to say – we are able to all see that he’s the very best on the planet,” the ahead mentioned.

“I’m serving to the workforce as a lot as I can. We have now began with our foot on the accelerator and we’ve got to hold on like this.”

Rangnick left annoyed

Austria supervisor Ralf Rangnick was annoyed by the style of the defeat however refused to be downcast about his facet’s total show.

“We might have achieved extra, however total our efficiency was precisely as we’d deliberate – daring and brave,” he mentioned.

“I might have appreciated to see a bit extra braveness in a single or two conditions, and maybe a shot or two from distance, which might have been doable, particularly within the first half. The way in which the 2-0 took place, with that counter-attack, was very irritating. However total, it was an excellent efficiency from us.”

Rangnick is correct that Austria have been wonderful worth on the night time. They now face Algeria within the group finale, figuring out a win ought to be sufficient to advance.

For Argentina, the one course is ahead. Six factors, already via, a record-breaker within the ranks.