Marquinhos: Marking Messi With Diarrhoea Was Difficult

By Joshua Walters

Brazil defender Marquinhos has revealed it was a tough moment for him to mark Lionel Messi with diarrhoea infection in the Copa America semi-final clash.

The Selecao defeated Argentina 2-0 with goals coming from Gabriel Jesus in the 18th minute and Roberto Firmino’s 71st decider at the Belo Horizonte.

Marquinhos lasted just 64 minutes on the pitch before he was replaced by Miranda and the centre-back who was battling with diarrhoea insists it was very difficult to control Messi in the course of the game.

“It was not easy, no.

“He [Lionel Messi] was on inspired [form that] night. Not only him as the Argentine team [as a whole] made a great game.

"On the day of the game, I ended up suffering a virus, and I spent the day at the hotel. It was very complicated, I had diarrhoea and was vomiting.

"I still managed to play, but with the effort I put in it worsened and eventually I had to leave the game.

"It was not easy, no. Messi was having an inspired night, not only him but the whole Argentine team, they made a great game.

"It was very difficult, but I think the team managed to cancel out the attacks of Argentina well. The ones we could not had some lucky chances with balls hitting the post and [Brazil goalkeeper] Alisson made some great saves. That makes a strong and solid team,” he said.

Brazil after beating Argentina booked a place in the final with Peru who surprised Chile in a 3-0 thriller.