Former Argentina and Man City star Pablo Zabaleta has defended Lionel Messi following his uninspiring performance against Saudi Arabia that saw the World Cup favourites suffer a shock 2-1 loss in their opening game.
Argentina couldn't have foretold a more disastrous start to the tournament after being outclassed during the defeat that saw minnows Saudia Arabia comeback to claim a historic upset.
Seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi was unable to drag his side to what should have been a favourable opening fixture that many expected Argentina to not only win, but also dominate.
Zabaleta made 58 appearances for the national team during his stellar career, but couldn't hide his pain when commenting on Tuesday's disappointing loss to the Middle Eastern side.
Speaking as a pundit on the BBC's World Cup coverage, Zabaleta sarcastically claimed that it was a 'great day' for the country before claiming that there would be a lot of 'disappointment and anger' in the Argentina camp.
'What a great day! I'm absolutely devastated. We didn't expect that but it was one of those days and we have to give a lot of credit to SA. They had a high line, brave, aggressive,' he said.
'When Messi scored we thought the game was over, we were controlling possession and all of that. There will be a lot of disappointment and anger.
'Many people were saying Argentina were one of the favourites and there was a lot of expectation - and I hate when something like that happens because you cannot underestimate any team.
'Of course [they can still win the World Cup.] There is still a long way to go,' he added.
However, Zabaleta refused to criticise Messi for his underwhelming showing in what will likely be the 35-year-old's final World Cup.
Messi put Argentina in the lead with a well taken first-half penalty, but could do little to alter the eventual match outcome as Saudi Arabia produced their greatest performance.
The PSG superstar missed key opportunities to pull the South American nation back into the side but failed to replicate his scintillating club form in Qatar.
'Everyone will back him, it was one of those days. He's been terrific and it was just one of those days. We can't go too hard on the players or blame the manager,' said Zabaleta.