Martino to do ‘everything possible’ to KO Messi

Clubs

DOHA, Qatar — Mexico manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino said he would do “everything possible” to knock out his home country Argentina and star player Lionel Messi from the World Cup,

Argentine-born coach Martino, who was Messi’s coach at Barcelona during the 2013-14 campaign, was blunt in his assessment on knocking out his former player from the tournament.

Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

“What would you do in my place? I know where I was born, I’ll tell you the year, the name of the hospital, the city’s area code,” Martino told a prematch news conference on Friday. “But I have to do everything possible for Mexico to win.”

While Mexico are heading into Saturday’s match at Lusail Stadium with a point after a 0-0 draw with Poland, Argentina will be desperate to bounce back after a shocking 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in World Cup opener.

Another loss for Argentina would mean a stunning early exit from the tournament for the team that are considered as one of the favourites to win the trophy.

It would also mean another edition of the World Cup failure for Messi who has said that he is playing in his last tournament.

Martino was skeptical that he could do much to halt the efforts of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“Stopping him, it happens more often because he’s having a bad afternoon than what we can do,” Martino said. “The best footballer in the last 15 years, at least.”

Before Mexico face Argentina on Saturday, fellow Group C members Poland and Saudi Arabia will take the field at Education City Stadium earlier in the day.

Following the weekend, Mexico will close out their group stage run against Saudi Arabia (Nov. 30) at Lusail Stadium, while Argentina will face Poland (Nov. 30) at Stadium 974.

Products You May Like

Articles You May Like

Euro 2024: UEFA open to bid for 26-man squads
Sources: MLS ref lockout over, CBA agreed to ’30
Could Kobbie Mainoo be the key to unlock England’s attack?
Pellegrini, Barella score as Italy beat Ecuador
The Endrick and Paquetá show: What we learned about Brazil this week

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *