Modest Messi credits teammates with win over Nigeria, despite playmaker’s dazzling display

Messi says teammates deserve credit for win

PRETORIA, South Africa — Lionel Messi has been one of the highlights of the World Cup so far. Yet the modest Argentina forward says his teammates deserve much of the credit for the team’s opening win.

Messi’s dazzling display helped Argentina defeat Nigeria 1-0, but the Barcelona playmaker said “this team doesn’t just depend on me.”

He tormented the Nigerians, but Argentina couldn’t extend an early lead. Messi was repeatedly thwarted by Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

Messi said that “I depend on the midfield to bring me the ball, and they were able to do that yesterday — and so I was able to capitalize.”