Australia boss Graham Arnold: “Playing against Messi is a dream come true” | OneFootball

Australia national team boss Graham Arnold has revealed that playing against Argentina’s Lionel Messi is a dream for the Socceroos.

Australia beat Denmark recently to make it to the next round of the competition, as they reached the stage for the first time since 2006. They will take on Argentina in the Round of 16 and they will come up against Leo Messi’s side, who have gained form at the right time following the defeat to Saudi Arabia.

In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Arnold spoke about Australia’s progress into the next round and the idea of facing Argentina. He gave his views about the comparisons between Messi and Diego Maradona too.

“It’s just so crazy how similar they are — left footers, same style. They’re both incredible players and to compare different generations, it’s all too hard, but I think probably they go down as two of the greatest players ever in my lifetime.”

He further stated: “This is a dream come true, playing against Lionel Messi at a World Cup.”

Arnold, as a player, had come up against Maradona in the World Cup as well and he further stated: “The thing is if you focus too much on Messi, then you’re forgetting about the other players. Nearest player, pick him up. It’s not just about stopping him, they’ve also got some very good players as well other than him.”