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It is tough to break into Argentina team, says Messi
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-10-08 09:20 BUENOS AIRES, Oct 7 (Reuters)
- Argentina's 18-year-old striker Lionel Messi says he will have a tough time
breaking into the first team.
"It's difficult for me to win a place in a side with so many great players,"
the Barcelona forward told reporters on Friday as Argentina continued their
preparations for the World Cup qualifier at home to Peru on Sunday.
"I'm happy just to have been picked (in the squad). But I really want to play
and I'll be prepared when my turn comes."
The teenager, who helped Argentina win the World Youth championship in June,
is regarded as one of the country's most exciting young players.
"Messi plays the same way in games as he does in training," said Boca Juniors
goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri.
"He's a player with great strength and he's going to give great satisfaction
to Argentina."
Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo also praised Messi.
"He's a different player who makes a difference in the danger zone," said
Crespo.
Messi was sent off less than two minutes into his debut after coming on as a
substitute in the 2-1 win over Hungary in August.
He then came on in the 82nd minute of last month's 1-0 World Cup qualifying
defeat in Paraguay, too late to make any impact.
Argentina, who lead the 10-nation South American qualifying group with 31
points from 16 games, have already booked their place in next year's World Cup
finals.
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