Lionel Messi Reacts After Argentina Beat Paraguay to Enter Copa America Quarter-Finals

Messi, who turns 34 this week, hailed Mascherano as a friend and said how much he admires and respects him.

New Delhi: Lionel Messi played a crucial part on Monday night as Argentina beat Paraguay 1-0 in a Copa America 2021 clash to make it to the quarter-final. Messi played a pivotal role in helping Argentina win two out of their three matches in the Group A stage. In the first two games, Messi also picked up the man-of-the-match award.

After the game on Monday night, an elated Messi – who joined Javier Mascherano for most appearances for Argentina – hailed the latter. Calling it an important victory, Messi expressed his love for Argentina and the light blue jersey. Messi, who turns 34 this week, hailed Mascherano as a friend and said how much he admires and respects him.

Messi on Instagram wrote: “Another important victory to continue growing. Proud to have been able to wear the light blue and white as many times as my friend Masche (@ mascherano14) whom I love very much, I always respected and admired.”

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A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)

Messi would now be expected to deliver in the knockout stages. Despite helping set up the only goal, Messi did not find the back of the net.

Junior Alonso 🤝 Lionel Messi #VibraElContinente #CopaAmérica pic.twitter.com/7nOpRaUBYE

— Copa América (@CopaAmerica) June 22, 2021

In 147 games for Argentina, Messi has scored 73 goals and has provided 43 assists.

Argentina now has a full week to rest and is back in action for the group stage finale next Monday against Bolivia needing only a point to finish in the top two — and avoid Brazil in the quarterfinals.