Argentina were jittery ahead of the start of the second half in the must-win match against Nigeria after they were unable to finish the first half in style despite Lionel Messi giving them an early lead.
The Argentina captain, not usually known for speech making qualities, lectured the side before they went off to the pitch for the second half.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Former English defender Rio Ferdinand had earlier stated the importance of that speech, saying it brought unity among the Argentina players.
Marcos Rojo has now revealed what Messi said during that speech in the tunnel before the start of the second half and also during the second half where the Albiceleste were desperately seeking a goal.
“He came to us and told us to calm down and not feel stressed, " said Marcos Rojo, revealing what until now was a mystery. Messi also asked them "not to get disordered" and play with a touch, "always forwards," Rojo was quoted as saying by Argentina sports channel TyC Sports.
"We were nervous and that message helped us a lot, and personally, it gave me a great boost of confidence," added the Manchester United defender who had scored a vital goal.
Rojo said that they have the best captain in the world in Messi, and informed that Messi told everyone that ‘this was life and death’.
During the late moments of the match, Messi had according to Rojo told the players to move forward in attack.
"He told me to run forward. Even Mascherano. He told everyone to attack no matter what, he really read the game and took a risk, he is a leader. The best ".
Argentina made it to the Round of 16 stage of the World Cup courtesy of Rojo's late strike and will face France in the knockout stage of the competition.
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