Sanchez reveals they tried to restrict Messi's role in recent clash

Lionel Messi runs with the ball vs Qatar

Qatar football team coach Felix Sanchez has revealed they tried their best to restrict Lionel Messi in the recent 0-2 loss to Argentina on Monday. The Qatar coach praised the five-time Ballon d'Or winner for his exploits.

Sanchez said they tried their level best to make sure that Messi does not get to participate much in the game.

"Of course, a player like Leo Messi can make a difference. Sometimes with goals, or with assists. We tried to mark the pass lines so that he did not participate so much in the game, but we know that it is difficult because he occupies several areas of the field," Goal.com quoted Sanchez as saying.

Argentina's Lautaro Martinez scored the opening goal of the match in the fourth minute. In the 82nd minute, Sergio Aguero added another goal to give his side a two-goal lead and the match concluded on the same.

Sanchez acknowledged the fact that they managed to restrict Messi from scoring and further added that playing against the 'most decisive player in the world' will improve Qatar in the future.

"I think we managed to make sure that Leo Messi did not score goals, but in the end, we conceded two goals and the result is the same. But it was worth the experience, playing with a team with the most decisive player in the world. Another experience to learn and improve Qatar in the future," he said.

Lionel Messi, who turns 32 on June 24, 2019, celebrated his birthday with his family and kids. Football world celebrated Messi's birthday amid much fanfare on social media platform Twitter.

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