Internet Desk: Lionel Messi insists there is more to come from Argentina as they prepare to face Venezuela in the Copa America quarterfinals.
Argentina were the pre-tournament favourites and coasted through Group D by winning all three matches, despite missing Messi for the most part.
The Barcelona forward sat out the opening game against Chile with a back complaint but scored a hat-trick as a substitute against Panama and came on from the bench again against Bolivia.
Messi feels Argentina will get better as the competition progresses and he told Ole: “As we move forward, we’re going to grow.
“We are doing well in all aspects. We have already been working together for a while and have got to know the coaching staff, and they us. From the beginning until now, we have grown a lot.”
Despite being bottom of the CONMEBOL World Cup 2018 qualifying section and without a win, Venezuela qualified for the quarterfinals of the Copa America at the expense of 15-time champions Uruguay in Group C and were only denied top spot by Mexico’s superior goal difference.
Messi insists Rafael Dudamel’s team cannot be underestimated.
He said: “We are aware there is no margin for error. Very tough matches are coming.
“Some think Venezuela are an easy opponent but they are not. We will not take anything for granted, we know what is at stake.
“If Venezuela have reached the quarter-finals it’s on merit. No one gave them anything. They are not better than Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay, obviously, but if Venezuela are there they deserve it.”
Salomon Rondon scored the only goal of the game as Venezuela clinched their last-eight spot with a 1-0 win over Uruguay, and the West Brom striker insists they do not fear Argentina.
“We are convinced and we believe in our ability because we have prepared well, we have an incredible group and even though we are playing a difficult rival, we don’t feel like we’re below anyone,” he said.
Messi may return to the starting lineup for Argentina while Venezuela coach Dudamel has a fully fit squad to select from.