Argentina rally around 'competitive animal' Messi ahead of World Cup opener - Reuters

"'competitive animal'"

— Lionel Messi , Athlete

"Not only Argentines, we believe everyone wants to see him on the pitch, wants to see him play."

— Lionel Scaloni , Athlete

"He is a simple person who enjoys training camps and practices, and prepares himself for that. He is also a competitive animal."

— Nicolas Otamendi , Athlete

"Not only Argentines, we believe everyone wants to see him on the pitch, wants to see him play."

— Lionel Scaloni , Athlete

"He is a simple person who enjoys training camps and practices, and prepares himself for that. He is also a competitive animal."

— Nicolas Otamendi , Athlete

"Everyone wants to see him out on the pitch, not just Argentinians, because of the impact he has on people."

— Lionel Scaloni , Athlete

"He's a competitive animal. He makes you keep trying, he doesn't let you relax."

— Nicolas Otamendi , Athlete

"The last World Cup taught us that the opening game isn't decisive. It's important, sure, but we have the peace of mind of knowing it doesn't end there."

— Lionel Scaloni , Athlete