LA SERENA: Lionel Messi's Argentina cannot afford another slip when they take on arch-rivals Uruguay in a Copa America "clasico" on Tuesday.
After giving up a two goal lead against Paraguay in their opening Group B game, the tournament favourites have made their fans worry that Argentina's 22-year drought without a major title is going to be extended.
Captain Messi said he was "angry" at the 2-2 draw on Saturday and has demanded improvement in the match which starts at 2330 GMT at La Portada stadium which has a capacity of barely 17,000.
Coach Gerardo Martino has sought to play down the drama, however, as Argentina seek to get their campaign back on track against their neighbours and defending champions.
"Our goal is to qualify. The decisive phase starts later. It is a clasico, there is a lot of rivalry, but let's not treat this like a quarter-final or semi-final," Martino told reporters Monday.
But there is a long history of sporting rivalry between the two countries. Uruguay have won the South American title 15 times, Argentina 14.
"There will always be a risk," added Martino who acknowledged the "struggle" that his star-studded side endured defending a two goal lead against Paraguay.
Uruguay are still without Messi's Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez as he finishes his international ban for biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup last year.
But in Edinson Cavani and Cristian Rodriguez they still have a potent strike force against a fragile defence.
Coach Oscar Tabarez is taking nothing for granted, though. He said Argentina's surprise draw meant nothing.
"We are going to be very prepared against a difficult rival," he vowed. Argentina "are the team with the most potential" in the whole tournament, he said.
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