Argentina's Sergio Batista praises 'fantastic' Lionel Messi after Copa America victory over Costa Rica

Content after recording a comfortable 3-0 win over Costa Rica, Batista praised the attitude of his players in bouncing back from two poor performances

 

Relieved Argentina coach Sergio Batista singled out Lionel Messi as his star after overcoming Costa Rica 3-0 in a crucial Copa America clash.

The Albiceleste suffered during a first-half marked by missed opportunities, but found their scoring boots just before the break and ran out comfortable winners over the Central Americans. Sergio Aguero scored a fine double to become Copa top-scorer, while Angel Di Maria notched the third to secure victory.

Barcelona star Messi stole the show, however, and was named man-of-the-match after a much-improved performance where he provided two assists.

Speaking after the match, the coach chose to praise his No. 10, highlighting the 23-year-old's strength of character following criticism during the week.

"He played a fantastic game," Batista told reporters during the post-match press conference.

"We talked a lot about the emotional and individual state of the team before the match. We needed to regain our confidence. Lionel knows how to overcome these situations, he has great character."

Batista also spoke of the tactical changes he made before the pivotal Group A decider, which confirmed Argentina's passage to the last-eight behind Colombia in second place.

"We sought more penetration and bodies in attack," the coach explained.

"There was a change of mentality here and we kept the ball without confusion, we did not let ourselves become disorganised.

"I have always had a strong view on how football should be played, but I am not too proud to change. We are always looking for the best for this team."

Argentina will now look to Group C to find out who their quarter-final rivals will be, with the runner-up of that group earning the right to play the hosts.  

 -Goal

 

Costa Rica's Ricardo La Volpe laments impact of 'inspired' Lionel Messi after Argentina defeat

 

Forced to wait and see if Costa Rica will make the quarter-finals, the Argentine-born trainer praised his virtuoso compatriot after a convincing display in Cordoba

 

Costa Rica coach Ricardo La Volpe was disappointed by the convincing defeat at the hands of Argentina on Monday evening, and highlighted the return to form of Lionel Messi as a key explanation for his side's failure to get something from the game.

The Tico went down 3-0 in the Estadio Mario Kempes in a one-sided encounter, with a double from Sergio Aguero and a third from Angel Di Maria doing the damage for the hosts. Messi had a hand in all three strikes, as he revelled in the freedom afforded by a more withdrawn position on the pitch.

Speaking after the game, La Volpe admitted that he was sad at losing the decisive group encounter, but praised the Barcelona attacker for a match-winning performance.

"When Messi is inspired, however much you try to cover him you cannot. We tried to compete across the pitch, but we didn't have the ball and you cannot defend a result without possession."

With three points from the group stage, La Volpe's side will now have to wait for Groups B and C to finish to see if they can earn a place in the last eight as one of two best third-placed teams.

 -Goal