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Rakitic warns Croatia that Lionel Messi ‘is not just motivated, he’s uber motivated’

Ivan Rakitic has warned his team-mates that Lionel Messi will be “uber-motivated” for Thursday’s World Cup clash between Argentina and Croatia.

Messi missed a penalty as Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by Iceland in their opening match, while Rakitic’s team beat Nigeria to top the group.

Thursday’s game is a intriguing clash and Rakitic reckons his Barcelona team-mate will be seriously up for it.

“My impression is not just that he’s motivated, but that he’s uber-motivated,” said.

“When he goes to Argentina, he has a special smile on his face. I don’t think there is a player more proud to wear the jersey than he is.

”I appreciate him as a human and a player, I’ve seen the way he has been over the last few weeks, he has given his all and he deserves all our respect.”

Source | FourFourTwo

Thursday’s game is a crucial clash and Argentina really need a win to get their World Cup hopes back on track.

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