Messi talks up defeat by Colombia

Captain Lionel Messi immediately switched his focus to taking on Paraguay after Argentina were beaten 2-0 by Colombia in their opening game at the Copa America.

Argentina had previously come out on top in their past meetings with Colombia over the last 12 years, but were unable to extend that record in Salvador at the weekend.

Neither side had a shot on target in the first-half, but Colombia always looked stronger and eventually got the goal they deserved in the 71st minute thanks to Roger Martinez, pictured.

Substitute Duvan Zapara duly doubled the lead from close range in the 86th minute.

Messi, however, believed there were upsides to take away for Argentina. “We must take out the positive things of today, which I believe there are, and think about what follows,” said the Barca forward.

“We have a lot of chances still. Now we raise our heads and move on.

“It will be hard for us to accept this defeat, but when we get to Belo Horizonte we should think about what follows. It would be a mistake to stay with this.

“Now we have to go step by step. The match against Paraguay will be key.” Lionel Scaloni, who took charge after Argentina’s disappointing World Cup campaign last year, was more impressed by his side’s second-half display despite both of Colombia’s goals coming after the break. “When we were better, we were scored against,

Argentina’s second game comes on Wednesday against Paraguay, who last night drew 2-2 with Qatar.