Riquelme said Argentines should be grateful for everything Messi has given to the national team and football.

In 1994, the USA needed fortune to announce themselves. This time, they delivered a definitive statement of intent.

The former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Espanyol coach replaces American Gregg Berhalter who was fired in July after a disappointing Copa America campaign.

The defeat means the United States will almost certainly have to win or draw against group leaders Uruguay in their final group game next Monday to have any chance of advancing to the knockout rounds.