Football
Dermot Corrigan, Madrid correspondent 7y

Atletico Madrid's Angel Correa aims to fill Lionel Messi's shoes for Argentina

Atletico Madrid's emerging star Angel Correa said he is willing to step up and replace injured Argentina captain Lionel Messi in this week's World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Paraguay.

Having retired from international football after his latest disappointment with his country last summer, Messi returned to the Argentina fold last month under new Albiceleste coach Edgardo Bauza.

But he has since picked up a groin problem playing for Barcelona and has been recovering back at his club during the current international break.

Correa is among Bauza's options to come in and start the games against Peru in Lima on Thursday and at home to Paraguay in Cordoba on Monday, and the youngster told Ole that Messi was unique but he would give everything if called upon.

"We all know there is only one Messi, but if I am asked to replace him I will do the best to help the team," Correa said. "Without a doubt all the players Argentina have must respond at 100 percent whether Messi is there or not. We must all adapt to any position."

If selected, Correa is likely to be given a right-wing role, perhaps alongside Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria in attack. The 21-year-old said he was still getting used to that position, but had no problem playing wherever he was asked.

"It is a new position for me, although at Atletico they are also putting me on the right wing," he said. "Wherever I am asked to play I will try and give all I can, and do my best for the team."

Correa has five caps so far, most recently when introduced as a substitute in September's 2-2 qualifier draw in Venezuela, a game Messi also missed through injury.

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