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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Joe Rimmer

Everton's Yerry Mina leaves Lionel Messi 'feeling bitter' as Colombia beat Argentina in Copa America opener

Lionel Messi admitted to 'feeling bitter' after friend Yerry Mina helped Colombia to a 2-0 victory over Argentina in their Copa American opener on Saturday night.

Everton defender Mina became firm friends with Messi during their time at Barcelona but the big centre-back put in an excellent showing to keep the Argentina superstar quiet as Colombia picked up all three points in the Group B clash.

Roger Martinez and Duvan Zapata both scored to give Colombia their first win over Argentina in 12 years.

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Speaking after the game, Messi said: "We leave here feeling bitter. In the second half we had our chances.

"We didn't want to start this way, obviously, but now we have to lift our heads and keep going.

"In the first half we retreated a little and were holding on, but in the second we really opened up.

"Whenever you lose it's hard for us, we usually take it badly. Now we have to think about Paraguay."

Yerry Mina hugs Lionel Messi at half time during the Copa America Brazil 2019 group B match between Argentina and Colombia at Arena Fonte Nova on June 15, 2019 (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)

Mina had earlier spoken about his relationship with five time Ballon d'Or winner Messi,

"For me, it was special to be with Messi," Mina said

"My first impression of him was that he was humble.

"I was sitting on the bench and it was a special feeling when he was close. I had goosebumps. I've always been a fan of Barcelona."

Colombia take on Qatar, who have been invited to participate in the tournament due to their hosting of the 2022 World Cup, in their next game on Wednesday.

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