sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Marcos Rojo Reveals What Lionel Messi Said In Inspirational Half-Time Team Talk

Marcos Rojo Reveals What Lionel Messi Said In Inspirational Half-Time Team Talk

Messi was instructing his teammates at half time during their crucial 2-1 win over Nigeria...

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Lionel Messi stepped up in a big way last night as Argentina grabbed a crucial victory over Nigeria to finish second and qualify for the knockout stages.

After struggling to get going in his first two games, leading to some very silly knee-jerk reactions, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner reminded us of his jaw-dropping talents in the first half with an utterly beautiful goal to open the scoring, and get off the mark in the tournament.

The first touch on the thigh, the touch with his left foot to kill the ball dead and then the finish. Just perfection.

A recent criticism of Messi has been that he does not have the leadership qualities that Cristiano Ronaldo has displayed for his country.

But the Barcelona star abolished that myth last night when he gave an inspirational half-time team talk in the tunnel to the Albiceleste players.

Argentina were 1-0 up at this point, before Victor Moses equalised with a penalty just after half-time. But then the most unlikely hero arrived, Marcos Rojo making his way into the box to provide a superbly volleyed winner with his weaker foot four minutes from time.

Image: PA
Image: PA

And the match-winner has not only credited Messi as giving the players a confidence boost with his words of wisdom, but also advising him to push forward as much as possible in his rousing talk.

"Messi came up to us and told us to calm down and not be stressed," the Manchester United defender said post-match.

Image: PA
Image: PA

"We felt nervous and that message helped us a lot and gave me personally a huge confidence boost.

"Messi is our captain and he's the best captain in the world, it was amazing to score that goal. Messi told everyone that it was either life or death. It could've gone badly. We could've conceded but Leo was stubborn.

"He told me to run forward. Even [Javier] Mascherano. He told everyone to attack no matter what. He truly read the game and risks. He's a leader. The best."

Messi's importance on and off the pitch is so monumental, that there are even reports that he was asked by Jorge Sampaoli whether or not he should bring Sergio Aguero on, before deciding to sub the Manchester City striker in minutes later.

Sampaoli's side haven't impressed thus far but will now take on France, another team who have got through despite really setting the world alight, in the last 16.

(h/t The Mirror)

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football News, Football, Lionel Messi, Marcos Rojo, Argentina, World Cup