Messi praises Argentina fans following Paraguay victory

Sep 8, 2012 7:16:00 AM

The captain rounded off a 3-1 win over the Guarani with an immaculate strike from distance, and also praised the atmosphere in Cordoba as the side pick up another victory

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has registered his delight following a comfortable win over Paraguay, which was their first home World Cup qualifying victory over the Paraguayans since 1973, that took his nation to the top of Conmebol's World Cup qualification standings, and also praised the role the fans played in the victory.

The Barcelona star twice hit the woodwork during a 3-1 triumph in Cordoba's Estadio Mario Kempes, but he finally registered in the second half with a stunning free kick to guarantee victory. Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain also struck for the Albiceleste, who now lead Chile and Ecuador by one point in the race to Brazil 2014.

Messi took the opportunity to thank the crowd in Cordoba, which was also the venue for Argentina's sole victory of the 2011 Copa America - over Costa Rica - and where the fans were vocal in their praise for the star.

"This is a beautiful feeling. It is incredible when the fans give you so much affection. The same happened to me in the Copa America, in Cordoba and in Buenos Aires," 'La Pulga' told reporters after the match.

And the No.10 also advised calm ahead of a potentially tricky visit to Lima on Tuesday, stating that Peru would prove tough opposition.

"This triumph is very valuable, now we go to Peru, who are a very difficult team to play against.

"Leading the group is the least important aspect, the key is to keep gaining confidence as a group."

Messi has now scored nine goals in five international appearances during 2012, all of which have been won by Argentina.

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!

play

open

Inside Goal.Com

BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way
Transfer Talk: Mourinho wants six new signings
Get your daily dose of all the speculation from around the globe as clubs cast their eye towards summer reinforcements
Soulless EPL must face up to grim reality
After a season marred by controversy and a failure of its top teams to put up a credible Champions League challenge, the world's supposed best league is falling behind
Bayern's jinx - CL final referee Nicola Rizzoli
Goal takes a look at the career of the Italian arbiter to date following Uefa's decision to appoint the 41-year-old for Saturday's showpiece at Wembley
Cartoon: Injured Gotze ready to 'do a Terry'
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day