Lionel Messi, Philippe Coutinho React to Brazil's 3-0 Win over Argentina

Lionel Messi has insisted Argentina are "still alive" in their bid to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup following their 3-0 defeat to Brazil but called for his team-mates to "change this s--t," while the Selecao's Philippe Coutinho was understandably delighted with their victory. 

According to Sky Sports' Mark Ashenden, Messi said: "We're down but we're still alive. We have to forget the situation we're in and start thinking about Colombia. If we get a result against Colombia it will make things look a lot different."

Per Ole (h/t Sport Witness), the Albiceleste captain did not mince his words as he urged his team-mates to improve: "We must change from the head, because when you’re not well from the head, the legs do not respond. We must change this s--t."

Goal added a video of Messi's further reaction:

Per TyC Sports (h/t Goal's Sacha Pisani), he said: 

"

We did not expect this result. Up to the first goal, the match was even, we were doing well. It's difficult when you get into these dynamics, in this situation. The minimum is you get down and everything turns out to be more difficult.

Within all the bad things and the s--t we are in, we still depend on ourselves.

"

Argentina were comprehensively outplayed by Brazil, leaving them in a precarious position in the CONMEBOL qualifying standings:

Only the top-four South American teams automatically qualify for the showpiece in Russia, while the fifth-placed team must enter a play-off with the top-ranked team in Oceania's qualifying process.

Coutinho opened the scoring in Belo Horizonte when he rifled in a stunning effort from the edge of the area after 25 minutes.

With virtually the last kick of the first half, Neymar doubled Brazil's lead with a calm finish after a sublime defence-splitting pass from Gabriel Jesus, and Paulinho rounded out the scoring shortly before the hour-mark.

Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez believes Messi should never have reversed his decision to retire from international football in the summer:

However, Grup 14's Diana Kristinne disagrees:

Messi's failure—thus far, at least—to win an international trophy with Argentina has often prompted the perception that he under-performs with the national side.

While that often hasn't been the case—he's the country's all-time top goalscorer with 56 goals—he will be disappointed with Thursday's subpar effort.

La Albiceleste should be far from a one-man team, though, thanks to the level of quality that pervades their side, particularly in midfield and forward areas with the likes of Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain.

For Argentina to qualify for the World Cup, Messi's team-mates need to step up. Fortunately for them and under-pressure manager Edgardo Bauza, the side still have seven matches left to turn things around and they're only one point behind fifth-placed Chile.

A win over Colombia on Tuesday would see them overtake Los Cafeteros and potentially move into third place in the qualifying.

Eugenio Savio/Associated Press

As for Coutinho, he was pleased with the result but is aware that more work is needed before qualification is secured. He told Sport TV (h/t Pisani):

"

Being in the squad is a very proud moment for me.

To be able to participate in such a group, next to great players, playing a classic like this is cause for much happiness.

But of course we are still trying to achieve our ultimate goal, which is qualifying for the World Cup. 

"

The playmaker is enjoying an excellent season with club and country having also racked up six goals and as many assists for Liverpool in 12 appearances.

Sky Sports' Fabrizio Romano hailed the 24-year-old's abilities:

Coutinho has always been capable of great things, but too often failed to show his talents consistently.

Netting an exceptional goal in an otherwise anonymous performance—or simply stringing several ineffectual efforts together over several weeks—was commonplace, but he now looks as though he's achieved a high level week in, week out.

That will benefit Brazil greatly. After a dismal outing at the 2016 Copa America—in which they failed to escape their group—the Selecao have enjoyed a thoroughly positive spell, claiming gold at the Rio Olympics and finding themselves top of the qualifying.

There is still work to be done on that front, but should they beat Peru on Tuesday they'll take another significant step toward Russia 2018.