Argentina captain Lionel Messi admitted that it was difficult for them to control Italy’s mid-fielder Jorginho after they defeated the Azzuri by 3-0 in Finalissima at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday. However, Messi feels La Albiceleste was able to control the game after Lautaro Martinez scored the opening goal in the 28th minute.
Angel di Maria also scored at the end of the first half to help put his team’s noses in front. Paulo Dybala then scored in the stoppage time to put the game to bed and help Argentina win the title.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi was the star of the show as he provided two assists and thus he was awarded the Player of the Match.
Messi said while talking to TyC Sports, “It was a close match until the first goal. They are a great national team and up until the first 20 minutes, it was difficult for us to control Jorginho, he was playing alone and we couldn’t get the hang of the pressure. But after the first goal, the game completely changed.”
Meanwhile, Argentina dominated the possession with 56% and took a total of 10 shots on target as compared to Italy’s three. La Albiceleste will next play Estonia at the El Sadar Stadium in Pamplona, Spain on Sunday, June 5.
Subsequently, Argentina will next face arch-rivals Brazil in a World Cup qualifier match. This game was to be played last year but it was postponed. In fact, both of these big teams have already qualified for the marquee event and thus it will be a dead rubber.
On the other hand, Argentina is in red-hot form as they have extended their unbeaten streak to 32 matches under the tutelage of Lionel Scalon. Ergo, Messi and Co. will look to continue the good show.