The Peruvian National Team

The Peruvian national team faced Argentina on October 5th at La Bombonera with the need to get a good result to continue their path towards Russia 2018. Although the draw was important for us, it wasn't the same for the rival. After two weeks and with the qualifiers already concluded, Lionel Messi's words after the match came to light.

Argentina defender Germán Pezzella, who is also Messi's teammate in the national team, confessed that after the draw against the Peruvian national team, the Argentine star did not falter. On the contrary, his reaction was surprising as he encouraged the group despite the fact that the Albicelestes were on the brink of elimination.

"After the match against the Peruvian national team, Lionel Messi was the first one to say that there was one more bullet left and that we had to take advantage of it. That pushes you to continue, because coming from the person it comes from, it has an extra impact," expressed the center-back in an interview with Efe.

For Pezzella, Messi's gesture infused courage within the team and convinced them that the qualification for Russia 2018 depended solely on them. Against Ecuador, in Quito, the 'Pulga' shined on his own, carried the team on his shoulders, and led his colors to the World Cup.

"I was surprised off the field, the positivity of his mentality and his words before each match. He was convinced that things were going to turn out well," added the Argentine defender, who was on the bench in the match against the Peruvian national team.