Messi calls for calm after opening draw

Argentina star Lionel Messi wants his side to remain calm after a slow start to their Copa America campaign saw them draw 1-1 with Bolivia.

The hosts were expected to mark the opening day of the tournament on Friday with a win, only to rely on substitute Sergio Aguero to cancel out Edvaldo Rojas’ goal in the second half.

The pressure is on Argentina to produce in their remaining Group A games against Colombia and Costa Rica, but Barcelona playmaker Messi urged them to remain calm.

“It is not what we expected. Now, we must improve and we win our remaining (group) matches,” Messi told reporters.

“Now, we need tranquillity.”

Goal-scorer Aguero, who equalised in the 76th minute with a fine volley, said it was vital to claim at least a point.

“It’s the first game – every game is going to be difficult,” he said.

“Bolivia did well defensively. The important thing is that we didn’t lose.”

Meanwhile, Bolivia coach Gustavo Quinteros said his team could have caused an upset victory after Rojas put them ahead on 48 minutes.

“We had a couple of situations that if we’d put them away we could have won the match,” he said.

“I think the team settled and were more solid in the final minutes of the first half and almost all of the second.”

“For us, after such a short time working together and few matches, this is a good result that motivates us to carry on.”

Rojas, who put Bolivia ahead, said it was a significant result for his side and would give them confidence heading into their clash against Costa Rica on Thursday.

“It’s not easy to face Argentina in their country, their stadium,” he said.

“We played in Argentina with a lot of grit, a lot of personality.”

“I think we deserved this, the result is fair and now must continue working for the next matches.”

Colombia meet Costa Rica in the other first Group A game on Saturday.