Mascherano: Messi's nearly always man of the match

The midfielder is not in the least bit shocked that his team-mate has been named the best player on the pitch in Argentina's first two games in Chile

By Mark Doyle

Jun 18, 2015 11:31:39

Javier Mascherano is wholly unsurprised by Lionel Messi's fine form at the Copa America, arguing that it's "almost normal" for the Argentina captain to be man of the match in every game he plays.

Messi netted from the penalty spot in the Albiceleste's tournament opener, a 2-2 draw with Paraguay, while he also played a key role in Tuesday's crucial 1-0 victory over Uruguay.

Indeed, the Barcelona attacker was named man of the match after both outings, although he refused to accept the award in the former match because his team had squandered  two-goal lead.

Mascherano, who plays alongside the four-time Ballon d'Or winner for club and country, has learnt to expect greatness from Messi whether he is protected by referees or not.

"When he plays it's almost normal that he is the man of the match," the versatile midfielder told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He's in great form and has so much desire to do well in a tournament that is not easy to win. Here, the referees are lenient. The challenges and the contact are greater.

"So it's tough to still stand out the way Leo does - more so than in Europe."

Argentina are the favourites to triumph in Chile but Mascherano is taking nothing for granted, particularly as the Copa has had plenty of shock results thus far.

"Balance is the first word that comes to mind when thinking about the tournament," the former Liverpool man addded. "Venezuela surprised Colombia, we were held by Paraguay.

"South American football is difficult. We know that from the World Cup qualifiers and the Copa reflects that.

"Even if you have great players, it's never easy to make the difference.

"For our part, we just want to maintain our style, try to play football, but we must be clear in our heads that when we have to fight, we will do so."

Argentina can clinch top spot in Group B by beating rock-bottom Jamaica in their final fixture on Saturday.