Tensions have already risen ahead of the Costa Rica vs Argentina friendly match at the New National Stadium, with coaches of both countries not being linked with the best of relationships.
Costa Rica coach Ricardo La Volpe reportedly felt insulted by Argentina’s Sergio Batista back in 2006, during his times at Boca Juniors. The former goalkeeper—who managed the Mexico national football team during the 2006 World Cup also received a contract with Velez Sarsfield later on, but unsuccessful runs with Los Xeneizes and El Fortin left Batista to question Ricardo’s ability to deal with Argentinean football.
The current boss of Los Albicelestes’ statement years ago certainly did not please La Volpe, who recently told TyC Sports—and Argentinean TV station: "In the past, he (Batista) said that I had to get used to Argentinean football.
“But he forgot that I played and grew up in Argentinean football. He was in a bunker and now he is the coach of the Argentinean national team.”
To many people, this can seem as a returning insult from La Volpe to Batista, yet perhaps, the Costa Rica coach was simply trying to make a clear point through a true fact. Whatever the case may be, 29 March 2011 will mark his big moment to clarify his image, as he will be facing the country that left him with dreadful haunting memories.
Nevertheless, Sergio Batista is willing to push his side’s style of player closer to FC Barcelona’s. The manager revealed that he was pleased with Argentina’s first-half performance against the USA on March 26, and added that he would love to watch his men repeat their fine display against Costa Rica in their next encounter.
Barcelona’s Lionel Messi is expected to start for the World Cup quarter-finalists, but it is unknown if he will consent to put on the very best of shows—in view of his prioritization for the 2011 Copa America. “We must focus on the Copa America,” Messi said.
“That is the important goal, so we must keep this idea. The more we play together, the better... There is a short time ahead of the main goal.”
Still, Messi’s presence in the Costa Rica vs Argentina friendly will be very much important for a good number of spectators, and this includes the president of the Costa Rican FA Eduardo Li, who might not forgive his opponents if ever they refuse to insert the Barca star in their line-up. “If Messi does not play, it would be impolite behaviour (from Argentina),” Li asserted.
"Messi's arrival in Costa Rica is like (the legend) Pele's visit 40 years ago. We’re all excited.”
The current boss of Los Albicelestes’ statement years ago certainly did not please La Volpe, who recently told TyC Sports—and Argentinean TV station: "In the past, he (Batista) said that I had to get used to Argentinean football.
“But he forgot that I played and grew up in Argentinean football. He was in a bunker and now he is the coach of the Argentinean national team.”
To many people, this can seem as a returning insult from La Volpe to Batista, yet perhaps, the Costa Rica coach was simply trying to make a clear point through a true fact. Whatever the case may be, 29 March 2011 will mark his big moment to clarify his image, as he will be facing the country that left him with dreadful haunting memories.
Nevertheless, Sergio Batista is willing to push his side’s style of player closer to FC Barcelona’s. The manager revealed that he was pleased with Argentina’s first-half performance against the USA on March 26, and added that he would love to watch his men repeat their fine display against Costa Rica in their next encounter.
Barcelona’s Lionel Messi is expected to start for the World Cup quarter-finalists, but it is unknown if he will consent to put on the very best of shows—in view of his prioritization for the 2011 Copa America. “We must focus on the Copa America,” Messi said.
“That is the important goal, so we must keep this idea. The more we play together, the better... There is a short time ahead of the main goal.”
Still, Messi’s presence in the Costa Rica vs Argentina friendly will be very much important for a good number of spectators, and this includes the president of the Costa Rican FA Eduardo Li, who might not forgive his opponents if ever they refuse to insert the Barca star in their line-up. “If Messi does not play, it would be impolite behaviour (from Argentina),” Li asserted.
"Messi's arrival in Costa Rica is like (the legend) Pele's visit 40 years ago. We’re all excited.”
