Brazil has started its World Cup campaign with a 4-1 victory over South Korea and will now face Croatia in the quarterfinals. Beyond that, there is already a lot of expectation as Brazil looks to meet with Lionel Messi and Argentina in the semis. However, this also gives time for Brazilian legend Dani Alves to praise Lionel Messi, his former teammate from Barcelona.
“Messi is Argentina right now.” Leo Messi was at the center of the Argentinian team’s success. He set goals up for his teammates and helped tighten defense as he pushed forward to attack. In the mixed zone after the match at Estadio 974, Messi said “I think he is in a brutal moment. He is one of the players to take into account without a doubt in this competition, only with his name already it is.”
Croatia eliminated Japan on penalties today to reach the quarterfinals. Despite this, Messi refused to point out specific opponents for Argentina ahead of a possible semifinal match against them. Instead, he warned them “we cannot think of a semifinal because we are in the quarterfinals out of respect for Croatia and our competitor.”
Richarlison, on a Possible Crossing With Argentina: “First We Thought of Croatia”
Despite the 1-0 defeat, Brazil advanced in the World Cup with flying colors. The Brazilian star Vinicius Jr said that it was a mistake to imagine a match against Argentina because now it’s about Croatia: “Now our thoughts are on Croatia. You have to imagine that Croatia is coming.”
