Argentina match-winner Marcos Rojo has explained exactly what captain Lionel Messi told his team at half-time during their 2-1 win over Nigeria.
TV cameras picked out Messi speaking earnestly to his team-mates before they took to the pitch for their second half against Nigeria.
Messi had opened the scoring but Nigeria equalised through a Victor Moses penalty before Rojo struck a brilliant winner late on. Here’s what Rojo is reported to have said:
“Messi came up to us and told us to calm down and not be stressed,” he said.
“We felt nervous and that message helped us a lot and gave me personally a huge confidence boost
“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 Mascherano. He told everyone to attack no matter what. He truly read the game and risks. He’s a leader. The best.”
Source | Yahoo Sport
(Note: Quotes have been updated)
The win means Argentina are into the last 16 of the World Cup and face a tricky tie against France on Saturday.