adminRIO DE JANEIRO. — Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella called Lionel Messi “a genius” after his stoppage-time goal beat Iran and put his side into the World Cup soccer knockout phase. Iran had frustrated Argentina with a solid defensive display until Barcelona forward Messi curled in his second goal of the World Cup.
“We have a genius who is called Messi and fortunately he is Argentine,” said Sabella.
“Iran made life hard for us but with Messi, everything is possible.”
Messi had scored just once in eight World Cup finals appearances before this tournament, and ended an eight-year wait for a goal in the opening 2-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Again the 26-year-old was not at his best but found space in the 91st minute to bend a brilliant left-footed strike into the far corner, his 40th goal for his country. – BBC.
Online Reporter