Aguero defends 'human' Messi for missed penalty in Iceland stalemate

Lionel Messi's footballing superpowers were temporarily subdued against Iceland, though Sergio Aguero doesn't believe there's reason to worry for Argentina fans after Saturday's 1-1 draw.

Aguero defended Messi following a frustrating game for the Barcelona forward in which he had a penalty stopped by Iceland 'keeper Hannes Halldorsson and failed to find the net despite 11 shots. But speaking to Argentinian TV network TyC Sports after the match, Aguero reminded everyone that even Messi is subject to mortal restrictions.

"The first match is always the most difficult. Everyone wants to play against us," Aguero said, courtesy of ESPN. "They were defending, their only chances to score were from a set piece or looking for the second play. I think they celebrated the draw as a victory.

"Leo showed he's human. We support him. He just had a bad day, but we know that he can give us the victory at any moment of the game. I hope he can be better for next match against Croatia."

Related: Why Messi must win the World Cup for Argentina to love him

Iceland's defensive organisation set out to stifle Messi's production in the nation's first-ever World Cup appearance, drawing similarities to its memorable Euro 2016 run when it held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in the group stage before eliminating England in the round of 16.

Halldorsson says his penalty save on Messi was the result of hours of studying, and though he doesn't disagree with Aguero's assessment of Iceland's park-the-bus tactic, he does understand if Argentina didn't appreciate the defensive-minded approach.

"I think the Argentinians felt a bit frustrated that they weren't getting through, and it was important we equalised so quickly," he said. "I guess our game plan worked almost perfectly."