Messi admits Argentina need big improvements after narrow win over Cape Verde

Lionel Messi has said Argentina have 'many' things to improve after a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in extra time on Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The match, part of a round-of-32 fixture, saw the world champions struggle against a determined Cape Verde side.

Argentina took the lead early but were pegged back twice, forcing extra time before eventually securing the win. Despite the positive result, Messi was far from satisfied with the team's performance, highlighting several areas that need urgent attention.

What Messi said

Speaking after the match, Messi pointed out that the team made too many mistakes and lacked cohesion in both attack and defence. 'We have many things to correct,' he said, stressing that the victory should not mask the underlying issues. The captain's comments reflect a desire for higher standards as Argentina prepare for upcoming competitive fixtures.

• Argentina scored twice in the first half but allowed Cape Verde to equalise on both occasions.
• The match went to extra time before Argentina found the winner.
• Cape Verde's resilience exposed defensive frailties in the Argentine backline.
• Messi played the full 120 minutes but was unable to dominate as usual.
• The win keeps Argentina in the competition but raises questions about form.

What's next for Argentina

Argentina will now look to address these issues in training before their next match. With major tournaments on the horizon, Messi and his teammates know that performances like this will not be enough against top-tier opponents. The coaching staff will be working to tighten up defensively and improve fluidity in attack to ensure the team can defend their titles successfully.