Both the player's coach and mother shared insights on how Messi can't be blamed for all of La Albiceleste's mishaps.

Argentina's start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup wasn't close to being the one they hoped for, especially for their star, Lionel Messi. Following his missed penalty, criticism rose from all Argentine experts, but this time the Argentine found support from his coach and even from his own mother.

Speaking at today's press conference, coach Jorge Sampaoli asked Messi's critics to keep their mouth shut, since their words are not as harsh when Messi carries the team and scores goals.

"When Leo scores a goal with Argentina's jersey we all scream and shout, but when we lose, it seems that it's all Leo's fault. It's too much for a player to handle. He's the best in the world, but it's impossible for a player to change the entire outcome of a game. He may give you a little edge, but he can't be blamed for everything that takes place on the pitch," Sampaoli stated.

"Leo shouldn't hold himself accountable for everything, it's a mistake. Each and everyone of us is responsible, even regarding that penalty. We came here to accomplish something, and we have our minds set on that," the coach added.

Messi's mother shares insight on Messi's reaction to Saturday's PK miss

Usually, Messi's closest circle doesn't speak about the criticism against "La Pulga". But this time, the player's mother raised her voice to ask her son's haters to think before questioning the player's motives to perform for La Albiceleste.

"It hurts to listen to people saying that my son comes here because he has to, not because he wants to. That's not true. If they could only see him suffer like we do...it really gets to us,"Celia Cuccittini stated.

He's a great lad, maybe it's not right for me to say it, because I'm his mother. He's got the biggest heart. I would give everything to see him having the World Cup of a lifetime," Messi's mother added.

 

Detil Pertandingan, hasil dan info siaran utama

Argentina 0 - 3 Kroasia

Juni 21, 2018 2:00Stadion Nizhny Novgorod (Nizhniy Novgorod)

Pertandingan ini telah usai. Dibawah ini adalah detil siaran langsung asli untuk pertandingan tersebut.

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