Messi Interview

In today's La Nacion an interview with Lionel Messi

"Those are all lies. They're absurdities that do not deserve a response. I would like to know from where all that came from and what is being sought."

"But I'm not interested in talking about it because it was all invented."

Q - Was the team satisfied with the draw against Brasil?

M - The entire game we were very superior to Brasil, they created one or two scoring chances and the rest was all us. We proved that we can compete against a big team. We could have won the game if I had scored in one of the plays where I was in front of the goal.

Q - What do you think of the arguments that have been made that the team can not defeat Brasil without its stars?

M - When we lose, we don't talk about the Brazilian A team or Brazilian B team. I think we always take the initiative and playing as visitors. We had the clearest scoring chances but we did not have luck in front of the goal. The team was able to control Brasil and create goal scoring opportunities. We weren't able to score but we played well.

Q - The last 3 games the team earned 2 points. How do you see the team going forward?

M - I see it well. With alot of faith in our game. We have great players. Even though some look at the 2 points we earned in these last few games, we are doing well and are close to the first place team. As more games are played we are going to be more secure in how the team functions. I don't think we'll have any problems but anyway that'll be shown in each game. The WC Qualifiers are not easy but we feel calm.

Q - You made your official debut in the 2006 WC Qualifiers, when Argentina was already qualified. Now it is different. Do you feel more pressure?

M - I don't think about the issue of pressure. What I'm experiencing now is without a doubt totally different. When the team was already qualified it played with more calm. Whereas now I'm playing from the start and I hope that I can be in all the WC Qualifiers and be important to Argentina.

Q - In Barcelona and in Argentina you've been in locker rooms with well known players. Are there similarities?

M - No, because with Barcelona I'm there alot more of the time. The only similarity is that in Barcelona there are good individual talents and on the national team too. In every place where I am I try to enjoy the comradarie. And I enjoy every callup alot.

Mascherano Interview

Javier Mascherano spoke to ESPN about the game tonight.

Q - How do you anticipate a game against such an important opponent such as Brasil?

M - We've already faced them in the previous WC Qualifiers and we know it is difficult but it is a great motivation to play in such an important game and every player wants to play in this game.

Q - It's been 4 years since you made your debut against Brasil in a WC Qualifying game, at the time you had only played in a few games with River Plate, what did you think it would be like to play against, say, Ronaldo, who you had seen alot on TV?

M - Well, when you play against such important players and for the first time, those are things that make you grow. Now at this moment I'm a little more used to such duels, to playing against important players but it hasn't changed my way of thinking from 4 years ago, now of course I have more experience, but with the same eagerness to play.

Q - What are the things that motivate you to come to the national team after playing in the Premier League and everything you experienced in the last 6 months, besides the Argentina shirt, but rather the possibility of being once again a part of the national team?

M - For everybody it is important, I think, in a players career to play for your country, for your national team it is the most important thing you have and of course, it is a priority. I think that the day when you no longer want to do that, it is not an obligation. You say it and give the opportunity to another player but as long as you are eager to do it, it is a beautiful thing. In such a short career you have to take advantage of every moment.

Q - You have now surpassed 20 games with the national team, Do you feel you are an unquestionable model of this new group even though there are very important players like you on this team?

M - No. More than anything we follow the path set by the more experienced players. At no moment did I feel or feel now that I'm an unquestionable model but yes I do feel important because my teammates make me feel that way, like everyone that is here feels important. But the place of unquestionable model belongs to other people that handle that role very well.

Q - What do you feel about the opportunity to play in a game like this, for example in the way that these WC Qualifying games are played, playing well with your club team and then returning to the national team?

M - It is always like that. You get used to it. In this case it is a little strange because the Premier League season is over but I'm continuing to play but otherwise you continue to play in the Premier League, you go back and forth with the national team and everyone returns to their club team. The truth is that things don't really change that much. I'll say it again. One is here with the national team because you want to and are eager to be here and everyone that is here is proud and feels a great joy.

Riquelme Interview

In today's La Nacion an interview with Juan Roman Riquelme.

"If Riquelme plays or not, very little will change"

The midfielder says that the national team has a football identity that will not be modified whether he is in the lineup or not.

Q - In the practice session you were seen laughing with your teammates, making jokes....

R - It's not the first time I say this: for anyone it is a pleasure to be here. We have a good time, we have a really good group, the truth is we all get along well, we have alot of fun. Just as much in the locker room as on the field, everything is enjoyed to the maximum. Now lets hope that on Sunday we are capable of doing things well against Ecuador and give some joy to the people.

Q - During the USA tour, Basile changed the system, the team functioned well and did so without a playmaker....

R - Argentina can play in any way that it wants. It has players of a very high level. Technically they make things very easy, like Lionel, el Kun, Cruz, who is in incredible form. Now we are lucky to have La Bruja (Veron) and Maxi Rodriguez. We have a way of playing, if Riquelme plays or not, very little will change. We always attempt to handle the ball well, look to beat the opponent, for the people to be happy and for them to like the way the team plays.

The game against Mexico, which I couldn't see because I was with Boca in the Copa Libertadores, it was said that at moments the team controlled the ball really well and that makes me happy because no matter who plays, there is a football identity defined.

Q- The presence of Aguero makes the team stronger and gives it more explosion?

R - We are fortunate that every time there's a game the manager has alot of problems, in the sense that we are never satisfied because there's always someone who's out of the lineup. There are many players that are in incredible form. We have el Kun, in a very high level. Carlitos Tevez), who is not with us right now. But this all very good for the national team.

Q - When you are all on the field, is it easier to play good football?

R - Yes, because one enjoys it. Not only during the games, but also in the training sessions we have alot of fun. For example yesterday, I think that the reporters, just like we did , had fun watching the game that we played in tight spaces.

Q - Alot has been talked about lately about your physical condition, especially the gastroenteritis that kept you out of Boca's semifinal game against Fluminense. Are you in condition to play against Ecuador and Brasil?

R - I am fine, with a little less weight but the gastroenteritis is gone. Now I have to eat alot, regain the weight I lost and be happy playing football. I'm thinking of both games. In a few days I will be alright, I'm not going to have any problems to play.

Q - In these two games that you want to be a part of, alot is being said about the derby against Brasil, but shouldn't there be more attention given to Ecuador?

R - Of course. To us it represents 3 points. We know that beating Brasil is really beautiful, for the people it would be a great joy but first comes Ecuador, who we know is going to be very complicated. What we want is to qualify to the World Cup as quickly as possible and our next step is Sunday against Ecuador and we'll have Brasil after that. We know that these 6 points that are at play will be crucial in what we are trying to achieve. Besides, if we win both games, we'll be real close to being in first place. I always say that it is nice to be at the top and we will try to do that so that the people will be happy with the team.

Q - First is Ecuador but what do you do to not think about the derby against Brasil?

R - Of course we are thinking about Brasil, its the most important game of the WC Qualifiers. It's always good to beat them because they have a history and players of the highest level. Besides, we know that the games against Brasil, especially away, is special to our people.

Q - Do you feel that the people are already identified with this team?

R - The feeling that the people have for the national team never changes. They could agree or disagree with the way it plays but the feeling is always the same. I'm sure that on Sunday, El Monumental will be full and they will cheer us on like always.

Gonzalo Rodríguez Interview

In today's La Nacion an interview with Gonzalo Rodríguez.

Rodríguez has struggled terribly with a long number of injuries that nearly ended his career. One of the best defenders to come out of Argentina in recent years, he is finally back on the national team.
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"I endured very difficult moments. The time was passing slowly. Professionally, I did not know how I was going to continue with my career. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. May it not happen to me anymore, please."

Q - How much anxiety did you feel during all this time?

R - Alot. It's been a while since I received a callup. I was a little surprised by it. Not because of what I've been doing, because in Villareal I've been back playing without any problems and I think at an adequate level. But I didn't think I would get calledup to the national team so soon since my return.

Q - You must be experiencing this tour with alot of excitement......

R - What do you think!!! I'm enjoying alot all this time with the national team. I've met up again with teammates that I played youth world cups with and others who I've known with the senior team. I'll tell you more: I'm enjoying this tour as if it was the first one with the youth team.

Q - Do you see yourself with a chance to get calledup for the games against Ecuador and Brasil?

R - Today I'm thinking about returning to playing and in trying to get back in good form. If I have the luck of receiving a callup, even better.

Q - You still have pending your consolidation with the national team?

R - Yes, it's a challenge to be on the national team, it's everyone's dream. But not just anyone can play. I'm clear about that. Just look at all the other defenders that are a part of this tour. You realize that the demand on a player is very high. But I never lose hope.

Q - Demichelis won one of the central defender spots. Do you join the line as one of Ayala's replacements?

R - There are players in my position who are in really good form. One of them is Martin (Demichelis), of some great conditions. It's really difficult. But I'm going to fight for a spot. I always have hope.