Win it for Diego, says Messi

Lionel Messi and his teammates are set to give it their all when Argentina faces Venezuela in Diego Armando Maradona’s first official game, next Saturday.

“We are looking forward to it, for Diego,” Messi said. “For his first official match as coach, and we hope that it’ll be a party.

“Diego is calm, very excited and he trusts in this group of players, which allows him to relax,” the Barcelona striker added.

Asked whether Messi wants to wear the number-10 jersey, which has no owner since the international retirement of Juan Roman Riquelme, the player replied that this currently doesn’t interest him much. “What I want is to play well with the national team. There is a really good vibe. We are all enthusiastic and want to do well, win and make another step in the direction of the 2010 World Cup.