'Messi is a monster'

Chicago, June 11: Pama coach Hern Dario Gomez called Argenti forward Lionel Messi a “monster” after the latter came on as a substitute and netted a hat-trick in a 5-0 rout at the Copa America Centerio.

Messi came on with just 30 minutes left on the clock with his side leading 1-0. But then the Barcelo star scored three back to back goals in quick time.

“Before Messi came on, there was no difference in the game,” Gomez was quoted as saying by goal.com.

“Messi is a monster. If you make a mistake and Messi is nearby, you pay for it.

“To play with 10 men, and then later on they put him on, it’s daunting.”

The coach also said Argenti are quite capable of beating Pama anywhere around the world.

“Argenti will beat Pama anywhere. They have more of a squad, with great players and more history,” he said.

“I saw important things from Pama in the first half, but after the third goal we collapsed. It was a game that we started losing because of doubts in defence.

“But also, I think the margin is a bit bigger than it should have been.”

The loss leaves Pama needing a win over defending champions Chile in their fil Group D fixture to advance to the quarter-fils of the tourment. IANS