The South American side's new captain was unconcerned by the rough treatment he received from the African team's defence and is delighted to have secured victory in Bangladesh
Argentina captain Lionel Messi declared himself pleased with his side's 3-1 triumph over Nigeria on Tuesday evening, and insisted he bore no ill-will towards the friendly opponents after some hard hits in Bangladesh.Goals from Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria and a Nigeria own goal helped Alejandro Sabella's team overcome the Super Eagles, partially compensating for a humiliating 4-1 reverse the last time the two teams faced each other. Barcelona star Messi once more could not find the net, but was in great form in-front of an adoring crowd and was the inspiration behind the first two strikes.
Speaking to reporters after the final whistle, the Barcelona man underlined how vital the victory was, and is now certain that his team are on the right track.
"It is crucial to win after all the failures we have been suffering lately. It is always positive to win, it leaves you feeling good," Messi told reporters.
"We created options, despite the pitch state and the heat we played well and we left a good impression. The game was won, that is the main thing, and we have to keep getting better."
Several Argentina players, Messi principal among them, were targeted by the Africans for some rough treatment over the 90 minutes. The No. 10 was left bloodied on the sidelines after one particularly heavy challenge, but he dismissed the idea that he was singled out for foul play.
"They didn't just hit me, there were a lot of kicks but they weren't intended as dirty. I don't go on the pitch thinking about getting hit, I go out to play," he insisted.
Messi will sit out the Seleccion's next match, a 'clasico' against Brazil with both teams composed of locally-based players.
