Former teammate Sergio Aguero says Lionel Messi is enjoying his pivotal role in Argentina’s World Cup ambition after feeling liberated by last year’s Copa America victory.
Argentina defeated Australia 2-1 on Saturday to advance to the quarterfinals against the Netherlands thanks to a goal from Messi, who scored his ninth World Cup goal and first in a knockout match.
With his goal, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner surpassed Diego Maradona’s record of eight World Cup goals for Argentina. He finished with his trademark left foot after cutting inside from the right. Only Gabriel Batistuta (10) now contributes more to the nation.
Messi highlighted his “beautiful” bond with Argentina’s supporters after the win, but Aguero believes that is a recent development, one which came about as a result of the Albiceleste ending a 28-year wait to win the Copa America last July.
“Leo is going to do everything possible to achieve the goal that we all want,” the former Argentina international told ESPN.
“Leo is happy and content. The Copa America changed his life, it gave him life. After the Copa America, he was happy again in the national team, like when we were in the under-20s.
“He lived with criticism and lost finals for a long time. The Copa America was liberating for him.”
Messi had the disgrace of losing four important international finals before to Argentina’s victory over the hosts Brazil last year, failing to carry his team to victory in the 2014 World Cup or the 2007, 2015, or 2016 Copa Americas.
Aguero suggested Brazil, who might face Argentina in the World Cup semifinals, would not enjoy a rematch after that victory in Rio de Janeiro.
“If we made it to the quarter-finals, let me be excited,” Aguero said. “Do you think that Brazil wants to meet Argentina in the semi-finals?
“Brazil has just lost the Copa America final, I think they don’t want that match.”