'On the pitch they kick the crap out of me!' - Lionel Messi jokes about rough treatment from Cape Verde stars who wanted selfies with Argentina captain after World Cup epic
Lionel Messi joked about the physical intensity of the match against Cape Verde while praising his team's performance in set-pieces. Despite the victory, he noted that Argentina needs to improve their control during matches.
Why it matters
It provides insight into the competitive nature of the World Cup and the personal perspective of a major sports figure.
Lionel Messi laughed off the physical treatment he received from Cape Verde after Argentina edged into the World Cup last 16. The Albiceleste captain joked that his opponents "kick the crap" out of him before asking for shirts and selfies, while also admitting his side fell below their usual standards.
The article is a standard sports report focusing on player quotes and match analysis.
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