Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa says he is highly motivated ahead of Saturday’s World Cup match against Argentina, where he will come up against the “magic” of Lionel Messi.
Ochoa, playing in his fifth World Cup, was Mexico’s hero on Tuesday when he saved a penalty from Polish striker Robert Lewandowski to hand his side a draw in their Group C opener in Qatar.
His side could surprise and knock out favorites Argentina if they take all three points after the South Americans suffered a shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia.
“We are ready to compete and stand up. Messi has that magic, he can’t do anything and any minute now he can solve problems and score a goal,” Ochoa, 37, told the reporters on Thursday.
“It’s going to be a great challenge. It’s going to be very complicated, but what better stage than a World Cup against one of the best players in the world and in history, Messi, if not the best.”
The Mexican captain added that a World Cup was the perfect stage to measure up to the best.
“I don’t like the ‘hey, I don’t want to play against such and such because it’s too difficult’. On the contrary, I want to play against them in a World Cup. I want to play a good game and the beat,” Ochoa said.
Mexico will face group leaders Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
Ochoa, playing in his fifth World Cup, was Mexico’s hero on Tuesday when he saved a penalty from Polish striker Robert Lewandowski to hand his side a draw in their Group C opener in Qatar.
His side could surprise and knock out favorites Argentina if they take all three points after the South Americans suffered a shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia.
“We are ready to compete and stand up. Messi has that magic, he can’t do anything and any minute now he can solve problems and score a goal,” Ochoa, 37, told the reporters on Thursday.
“It’s going to be a great challenge. It’s going to be very complicated, but what better stage than a World Cup against one of the best players in the world and in history, Messi, if not the best.”
The Mexican captain added that a World Cup was the perfect stage to measure up to the best.
“I don’t like the ‘hey, I don’t want to play against such and such because it’s too difficult’. On the contrary, I want to play against them in a World Cup. I want to play a good game and the beat,” Ochoa said.
Mexico will face group leaders Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
