I am responsible for my team’s result against Iceland: Lionel Messi

Messi after missing the penalty against Iceland. Image Source: twitter

XtraTime Web Desk: Argentine star forward Lionel Messi termed himself responsible for Argentina’s draw against Iceland as he failed to convert a penalty in a goal and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

After Sergio Aguero’s opening goal; Alfred Finnbogason of Iceland equalized the score. The Barcelona star had an opportunity to put his side in front but he failed to score from a penalty in the 64th minute as Hannes Halldorsson, the goal-keeper of Iceland stopped his shot with an ease.

“It hurts me to have missed the penalty, because it was the decisive advantage,” Messi said. “I feel responsible for not having been able to take the three points. I have no doubt that a goal from the penalty kick would have changed everything.”

Argentina have games to come in Group D against Croatia and Nigeria, and Messi is confident that his side will come back stronger in their next game.

“We have not lost our hopes despite the draw, we still have the same desire,” he said. “I think we deserved the victory. We worked hard trying to find spaces in the Icelandic defense, but we couldn’t do it.

“This result doesn’t have to weigh on us looking forward. We have a few days to rest and to prepare the next match.”