Lionel Messi urges Argentina to go on the attack after opening World Cup win

 

Lionel Messi called on Argentina to play a more attacking formation following the hard-fought 2-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Alejandro Sabella elected to use a back five at the Maracana, only to return to his usual 4-3-3 formation after the interval - a move Messi endorsed.
"We prefer it when we play with a more attacking system," said the Barcelona star.

"Us strikers prefer to have more support, which we didn't have in the first half. It was difficult for me and Aguero."
"It was a great second half: we had a lot of possession and created chances. We need to continue in that way."
Messi insisted that the result was more crucial than the performance, however, and paid tribute to the Argentine support in Rio.
"It's important to start off with a win," he continued. "We have things to improve on, but the result was the most important thing.
"The stadium is impressive and the support from the Argentina fans was wonderful."

 Sabella, for his part, accepted that his side's display left something to be desired.
"We controlled the first half but needed more cutting edge," said the former Leeds and Sheffield United midfielder
"With Higuain on the pitch, we were able to play our normal game. We got more support to Messi, who we have to help shine.
"I'd give us six out of 10. We still have some improving to do."
Bosnia's coach Safet Susic added: "We wanted to put up as much of a fight as possible, and we did that. You need to play well to beat Argentina, and have a great deal of luck.
"We knew that our fans would be rooting for us, but we have also been welcomed in an amazing way by the Brazilians.
"I thought about man-marking Messi for 90 minutes, but it's impossible."