Argentina say they won’t underestimate \u00abvery tough\u00bb Cape Verde when the Lionel Messi-inspired holders face the World Cup surprise packages in the last 32.<\/p>\n
The reigning champions will be massive favourites to win and win big when they play the tournament debutants on July 3 in Miami.<\/p>\n
Argentina captain Messi came on as a substitute and scored a free-kick as they beat already eliminated Jordan 3-1 on Saturday in Texas.<\/p>\n
Lionel Scaloni’s side finished the first stage with maximum points and looking formidable, albeit in one of the weaker groups also featuring Algeria and Austria.<\/p>\n
Striker Lautaro Mart\u00ednez, who got the second against debutants Jordan from the spot, told broadcasters: \u00abWe are feeling good, now we have to rest, recharge our batteries to think about what is coming, which is going to be difficult.<\/p>\n
\u00abToday we faced an important team like Jordan, we had to do our job and we did it and that’s why we leave happy and very excited for what’s to come.\u00bb<\/p>\n
Fellow first-half goal scorer Giovani Lo Celso said it had been almost the perfect group stage.<\/p>\n
\u00abIt’s a pity about the goal we conceded today, we would’ve liked to end with a clean sheet,\u00bb he said.<\/p>\n
\u00abStill, I think it was a very good group stage. Now the most important part begins.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00abFrom now on, it’s about turning the page and thinking about Cape Verde, who will be a very tough opponent.\u00bb<\/p>\n
Cape Verde, ranked 67 in the world, squeezed into the next stage with three draws, one of them a goalless stalemate with Spain.<\/p>\n
The feeling is \u201cgood, especially thanks to Lo Celso, who couldn\u2019t take part in the last World Cup, and Lautaro, who hadn\u2019t scored before. It was a good night. I\u2019m happy and now the real fun begins,\u201d said Scaloni after the match.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel a great sense of excitement about the journey. Making my World Cup debut and scoring a goal \u2013 it really is very exciting,\u201d said Real Betis midfielder Lo Celso, who scored the opening goal with a left-footed free-kick in the 19th minute.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a perfect night,\u201d said Lo Celso, who travelled to the 2018 World Cup in Russia but did not play, and was not selected for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to injury.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u2013 TIMES\/AFP<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\nrelated news<\/h6>\n<\/p>\n<\/section>\n