Amidst criticism from all quarters for Lionel Messi, who missed a penalty, Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli stood by his captain after the unexpected draw against Iceland here on Saturday.

"It was a difficult game. Iceland made it more difficult with their ultra-defensive approach. They frustrated us by blocking everything; did not allow space for us. Leo Messi is very much committed to Argentina and that cannot be questioned," Sampaoli said. However, he rued the fact that the left side of the Iceland defence was not fully attacked and admitted the lack of offensive creativity against such tight defence.