Messi 'disappointed' with Argentina performance

Nov 14, 2012 9:10:00 PM

The three-time Ballon d'Or winner was unhappy after the tame stalemate on Wednesday, but said the Albiceleste have made progress over the year as a whole

Lionel Messi admitted to feeling frustration after Argentina could only fashion a 0-0 draw with Frank Rijkaard's Saudi Arabia in Riyadh.

The star-studded South Americans, who fielded a strong line-up including the Ballon d'Or holder, Manchester City's Sergio Aguero and Real Madrid's Angel Di Maria, failed to click against the modest opposition and ultimately had to settle for a draw.

"We didn't do things like we normally do and it wasn't our best day today," Messi told Argentine TV.

"I'm disappointed with how things played out for us tonight, but this year was very positive for our national team," the 25-year-old added.

Messi reflected on the bigger picture, comforted by the knowledge that Argentina currently lead the way in the South American qualification race for the 2014 World Cup, while his club side are setting the pace at the top of La Liga.

"We [Argentina] won important matches this year and things have been great for me at club level and on a personal level too.

"Every match we play is just as important as the others because when you play for Argentina, every match matters."

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