Off the wire
• China Focus: Internet celebrities -- the sky is the limit, or a long way to fall?  • China's industrial profits return to growth  • Shanghai, Shenzhen raise purchase thresholds to cool home prices  • Horse California Chrome wins world's richest horse race Dubai World Cup  • Defending champion Guerdat holds lead going into last day of Longines final  • Xinhua world news summary at 1530 GMT, March 27  • England beat Germany 3-2 in international friendly  • Horse Real Steel steels favorites' thunder, wins Dubai Turf race of Dubai World Cup 2016  • Brazil call up uncapped pair for World Cup qualifier  • Results of 2nd competition of FEI World Cup jumping final  
You are here: 　 Home

World Cup qualifiers are difficult, says Messi

Xinhua, March 27, 2016 Adjust font size:

Argentina star Lionel Messi said it's no easy job in the World Cup Russia 2018 South American qualifiers while appreciating the Argentinian team's away triumphs against Colombia and Chile.

"The qualifiers are very difficult. It takes a lot to win as a visitor and also at home. It isn't easy to go out and play and see that you are in the bottom half of the table. For that reason winning is so important," said Messi during an interview with local sports daily Ole.

Messi praised the team's quality after Argentina made a bad start in the qualifying campaign with two draws and a shock 0-2 defeat against Ecuador in Buenos Aires.

"It seems that we start off on the wrong foot, but with win over Colombia and now in Chile, things are becoming better," added the 28-year-old forward.

Messi was also happy to return and play for the national team, as he was unable to participate in the first four matches due to an injury.

"I got injured and it was a difficult time for the team. I missed the national team, and want to be with my teammates. Now I can help once again," he said. Endi