Messi in search of scoring touch

The 23-year-old Barcelona star was critical of his performance against Mexico.

When Lionel Messi weaved through Mexican defenders and prepared to shoot in stoppage time,it looked like his World Cup scoreless streak was finally going to end. But goalkeeper Oscar Perez stopped his attempt,leaving Argentinas biggest star without a goal to his name after four matches.

Im not concerned about it, Messi said after the match on Sunday. What concerns me more is that Argentina keeps going like this.

The 23-year-old Barcelona star was critical of his performance against Mexico.

I dont think I played as well as I did in previous games, Messi said. It was tough. But its all good. Theres no problem.

There were flashes of brilliance,like the deft chip that set up Carlos Tevezs first goal. But he struggled to find space and was often tackled hard by the Mexican defenders. Too hard, said coach Diego Maradona.

When Messi gets the ball everyone tries to kick him, Maradona said. They dont even look for the ball. They only want to kick him. The referee didnt do anything against that.

Matter of time

Messis teammates said its only a matter of time before he scores. Hes going to get it in, said Gonzalo Higuain,who scored Argentinas third goal on Sunday and is the tournaments top scorer with four goals. We know that hes the best player in the world and we have no doubt that he will get it in.

Story continues below this ad

Higuain didnt think Messi was bothered by the scoring drought. I dont think it affects him.

Jonas Gutierrez also praised Messi,the FIFA world player of the year. Hes going to score soon. Messi for us is unbelievable. Hes perfect and I enjoy playing with him, Gutierrez said. Tevez was rewarded with his first two of the finals even if his first was shrouded in controversy as he was offside when he headed in Messis chip but his second was a brilliant 25-metre drive into the top corner.