Argentina star Lionel Messi says a weight has been lifted off their shoulders after securing a victory over Mexico at the FIFA World Cup.
The 35-year-old bagged his second goal of the tournament and set up the second goal as the South Americans defeated Mexico 2-0 to keep their round of 16 hopes alive.
The defeat to Saudi Arabia during the week added to the pressure, but Messi claims the side were eager to make things right against Mexico.
Read: Messi helps Argentina secure first World Cup win
"Given the defeat we didn't expect the days were very long and we were eager to have the chance to turn it around,' Messi said, as per Daily Mail.
"We knew this was a critical game because if didn't win we were out and if we won we had another chance.
"Luckily we won and it is a weight off our shoulders, a reason for joy and peace of mind because it is all down to us again."
Messi also played down any fears of ankle injury towards the end of the encounter.
"I don't know why there were so many things said about it," Messi added.
"The other day everyone was talking about my ankle and I did not have anything wrong with it. But then in the last minute [against Saudi Arabia], I rolled it over.
"I said all week that I didn't have anything wrong with it and then in the final minute I twisted it. But it is fine. I was able to train normally afterward right along with the team and I did not train alone at any moment."
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